Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) won three awards from the International Economic Development Council, including one recognizing the strategies and programs that are helping employers to attract and retain talent.
“LVEDC has become a regular recipient of national industry awards for our work in the Lehigh Valley,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC. “As much as we’re grateful for the recognition, we realize that it’s a reflection of the tremendous economic success of the Lehigh Valley and the hard work of all the people and organizations that have come together to make it happen.” 
LVEDC competed against the largest economic development organizations in the world (those in regions of at least 500,000 people), many of which have bigger budgets and more staff.
The Excellence in Economic Development Awards won by LVEDC were:
Gold Award, LVEDC Annual Report
Gold Award, Lehigh Valley Commercial Real Estate Report
Bronze Award, Lehigh Valley Talent Strategies Initiative
The International Economic Development Council is the largest economic development association in the world, with more than 4,500 members globally. LVEDC is one of only 90 organizations to meet the council’s rigorous accreditation standards.
“The awards are the latest validation of the initiatives that are helping to expand the Lehigh Valley economy and create family sustaining jobs,” said Steve Hoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Crayola and Chair of the Board of Directors at LVEDC.
Each year, IEDC recognizes organizations that demonstrate consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession through projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and improving the practice of economic development.
“Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its talent development and marketing strategies. These awards shine a spotlight on LVEDC’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present these awards to LVEDC to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field."
This is the eighth consecutive year that LVEDC’s annual report has been recognized with an award from IEDC. The 2024 report illustrates how LVEDC has collaborated with its partners to create jobs and grow the tax base by attracting new businesses and helping current businesses to expand; to increase the skilled workforce for employers; to support entrepreneurs and early-stage companies; and to promote the Lehigh Valley brand. The annual report is produced by LVEDC staff and designed by Michelle Chrin, who also designs several other LVEDC publications.
IEDC will celebrate the 2025 Excellence Awards winners at its upcoming Annual Conference in Detroit on Sept. 14-17.