Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) won three awards from the International Economic Development Council, including recognition as one of the world’s leading economic development organizations. 
“These recognitions mean a lot because they come from our peers in economic development,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of LVEDC. “We’ve consistently placed at the top of class in telling the Lehigh Valley story and helping to grow our economy. It’s a testament to the collaboration and strength of the Lehigh Valley and the talent and hard work of our small but mighty staff at LVEDC.”
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: Making Products & Making Places Fall Signature Event
Bronze Award, Economic Development Organization of the Year
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 97 organizations to meet the council’s rigorous accreditation standards.
“These awards recognize different aspects of LVEDC’s work, but they share a common thread: a regional strategy focused on creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening the Lehigh Valley’s economy and quality of life,” 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.
"This year's winners embody the spirit of innovation and excellence in economic development," said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. "Their outstanding accomplishments have not only enhanced their own communities but also serve as shining examples of impactful and sustainable economic development worldwide.”
This is the ninth consecutive year that LVEDC’s annual report has been recognized with an award from IEDC. The 2025 report illustrates how Lehigh Valley was ranked the No. 1 mid-sized region for economic development and how LVEDC and partners are collaborating to create jobs and grow the tax base by helping businesses expand and attracting new businesses, including the region’s largest investment ever, Eli Lilly and Company’s $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus.
The Fall Signature Event, Lehigh Valley: Making Products & Making Places, attracted a record audience to celebrate five local manufacturers who produce some of America’s most iconic products and help to make the region one of the nation’s top manufacturing markets and a community that people are proud to call home. The program featured executives from Crayola, Mack Defense, Lutron Electronics, Olympus, and C.F. Martin & Co. and was held at Archer Hall, a new entertainment venue in the heart of Allentown’s $1 billion redevelopment.
IEDC will celebrate the 2026 Excellence Awards winners at its upcoming Annual Conference in New Orleans on Oct. 25-28.