Two publications released earlier this year by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) were honored Sept. 19 at the 2023 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Dallas.
IEDC, a non-profit organization of economic development professionals, presented Silver Awards in its Excellence in Economic Development program to LVEDC’s 2022 Annual Report and the Welcome to Lehigh Valley Guidebook, a joint publication of LVEDC and Discover Lehigh Valley.
“These outstanding publications tell the Lehigh Valley’s story of success in building a stronger, more diversified, and more prosperous region,” said Don Cunningham, LVEDC President & CEO. “Their recognition by IEDC, the largest association for economic development professionals in the world, speaks to the quality – and the impact – of the work LVEDC’s staff and partners are doing in economic development and marketing.”
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.
“LVEDC has raised the bar for excellence in economic development with its 2022 Annual Report and Welcome to Lehigh Valley Guidebook,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President & CEO. “It is a testament to LVEDC’s dedication to the Lehigh Valley and serves as a great example of how economic development can help transform a community for the better.”
IEDC has recognized LVEDC’s Annual Report as one of the best in the country for six years in a row, dating back to 2017. The Annual Report has evolved from a basic summary of LVEDC’s structure and financial performance to a storybook that highlights developments, actions, and trends in the regional economy and the successes of the Lehigh Valley’s regional coalition for economic development. The Annual Report is a key part of LVEDC’s marketing strategy to attract and retain employers and talent.
LVEDC’s approach to the Annual Report transforms a collection of facts, figures, and lists into compelling and authentic stories of the regional economy, increasing awareness of the Lehigh Valley among target audiences locally, around the country, and around the world.
LVEDC staff members produce the report’s content with design support from local graphic designer Michelle Chrin. 
IEDC honored the Welcome to Lehigh Valley Guidebook in the Print Brochure category. The colorful 24-page booklet provides an overview of what it’s like to live and work in the Lehigh Valley for people who recently moved to the area or are thinking about moving to – or returning to -- the area.
The 2023 version is the third edition of the guidebook, which LVEDC first produced in 2018 to support its talent attraction initiatives. LVEDC and Discover Lehigh Valley staff provided the content, with design by Discover Lehigh Valley graphic designer Alisa Lopano.
The guidebook is a true partnership project, however, involving employers, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations that help people who are moving to the area. The guidebook fills a need for introducing newcomers to the Lehigh Valley in a positive, authentic way.
For both awards, the Lehigh Valley competed against regions that have populations of 500,000 or more. The Lehigh Valley, with a population of about 700,000, was up against much larger areas and economic development organizations with far more resources than LVEDC.
IEDC is the largest organization of its kind in the world, with more than 4,300 members working to promote economic well-being and quality of life, create high-quality jobs, and develop vibrant communities. LVEDC is accredited by IEDC, one of only 72 accredited economic development organizations in North America.
Paul Muschick, LVEDC’s Director of Communications and Media Relations, and Doug Warfel, LVEDC's Director of Attraction and Lending, accepted the awards at the IEDC Annual Conference.