This award recognizes a single economic development project in which a community successfully mobilized to retain and/or expand an existing business of great importance to the community. Nominations should demonstrate extensive cross-community collaboration, innovation and responsiveness to the business in bringing the project to fruition. This project should have occurred within the past three years.

This award recognizes innovation in community and economic development that promotes economic growth within communities and regions. Nominations should demonstrate how a program, project or initiative is meeting one of the following of the following: Development and support of the community’s entrepreneurial ecosystem; Development or expansion of driver industry sector initiatives; Programs aimed at assisting businesses with adoption of technology, artificial intelligence, and business best practices; or Significant placemaking initiatives that drive the greater good of the community.

This award recognizes innovative real estate redevelopment or reuse projects that demonstrate measurable and quantitative impact on employment and tax base, as well as sustainability measures, such as conservation of energy and water. Nominations should provide details as to why the project will/has served as a catalyst for economic and community development efforts. It should also demonstrate an innovative approach to development and should have been completed within the past 5 years.