Berwyn Development Corporation Receives Two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
September 23, 2024
 
[Berwyn, IL] – In August, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) bestowed two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards to the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC). The IEDC awards honor economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.
 
Specifically, the BDC received the Silver Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Award for the Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project. Recognized for its innovative design, this retail incubator aims to help entrepreneurs, artisans, and makers grow from pop-ups into storefronts by providing the resources needed to succeed: a mini storefront, education, promotion, and more!
 
The BDC also won the Bronze Magazine & Newsletter Award for the 2024 Berwyn Community Resource Guide (CRG). The CRG is an annual publication that highlights Berwyn’s vibrant commercial corridors, dynamic business community, and available resources. Throughout the pages, readers meet local business owners, discover new products, and learn more about Berwyn.
 
"The Berwyn Development Corporation is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with the Berwyn Shops: A Homegrown Project and the Community Resource Guide. These awards highlight the BDC’s commitment to its community and demonstrate the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents these awards to the BDC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development."
 
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year's award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field," said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. “The Berwyn Development Corporation’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
 
When asked about the awards, Kendra Shaw, Deputy Director of the BDC, exclaimed, “I am proud of the BDC team. They are amazing humans who are dedicated to supporting local businesses, sharing available resources, and implementing innovative programs. The two Excellence Awards demonstrate that their hard work and creativity not only impact Berwyn, but communities throughout the world. I am thrilled that the Berwyn Shops and the Community Resource Guide are helping to inspire, shape, and improve the practice of economic development.”
 
Patrick Greenacre, Marketing Manager of the BDC, adds, “Thank you to the IEDC for the incredible recognition – it is a great honor to receive two Excellence Awards! Also, a big shout out goes to the BDC Board of Directors and our local community partners. The Berwyn Shops and CRG would not be possible without their continued support and dedication to the team and our projects.”
 
On behalf of the BDC team, BDC board, and community partners, Patrick Greenacre and Kendra Shaw were acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.
 
For more information about the BDC, visit berwyn.net or contact Kendra Shaw at 708-749-6587 or kendras@berwyn.net.
 
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org today!
 
About the Berwyn Development Corporation
The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) markets Berwyn regionally and nationally as a prime business and leisure destination. We are here to promote Berwyn’s energy and culture to visitors and residents and to create unique development opportunities for business. The BDC is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. We are a not-for-profit membership organization that serves over 300 businesses and individuals. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote the community. For more information, visit berwyn.net, whyberwyn.net, or berwynshops.com!
 
 
Contact
Kendra Shaw, Deputy Director
708-749-6587
kendras@berwyn.net
 
 
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