The Site Selectors Guild Honors Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance at the Annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards
(January 24, 2012-Orlando, FL) – The membership of the Site Selectors Guild (Guild) recently announced the winners of the first annual Excellence in Economic Development awards. The Guild awards recognize individuals and organizations for their contributions to investment attraction and job creation in their respective communities. The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) was recognized by the Guild for “Excellence in Economic Development at the County Level.”
The Guild is a professional association comprised of the world’s most respected site selection consultants, dedicated to advancing the profession of international corporate site selection by promoting the profession and providing education, networking and other services to those involved in the industry.
The award was presented at an Awards Dinner in conjunction with the Selectors Guild Conference, January 22-24th in Orlando, Florida. Terry Murphy, Vice President, Economic Development accepted the award on behalf of the Alliance. “We are honored and excited to be recognized by such a distinguished group of site selectors,” said Murphy.
“This award from the Guild validates my belief that the economic development staff for Muncie-Delaware County consistently performs at the highest standard of professionalism and expertise in the application of economic development best practices,” said Jay Julian, President and CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. “It is an honor to have our standard of excellence recognized by the top site selectors in the world.”
“We are thrilled at this opportunity to formally recognize economic development professionals that are important to the site selection field,” said Don Schjeldahl of The Austin Company and Guild Award Committee Chair. “Without the efforts of economic development professionals it would be virtually impossible for site selectors to do our job.”
“Economic development project partners sometimes go far beyond the call of duty,” added Schjeldahl. “When this occurs, good things generally result for the community, the site selector and corporate clients. It’s time site selectors acknowledge these good works and that is the intent of the awards.”
“Guild members believe these folks don’t get the credit they deserve,” said Robert Ady of Ady International Company and President of the Guild. “This is an extremely competitive industry, so when we come across organizations and teams who do extraordinary work, we truly appreciate their professionalism.”
Guild members drew on their experiences in working with economic development organizations to highlight, in a nomination process, how an EDO “made a difference” during the course of a site selection project. A special Guild committee reviewed the nominations and selected winners who made a significant difference in the lives of the people involved in the project and the community as a whole. Principles being honored include:
• Ingenuity and creativity
• Mastery of process
• Going above and beyond
• Political acumen
• Personal, caring touch
About The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance
The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) is a private economic development organization dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana.
Our purpose is to allocate and leverage economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic growth, vitality and global competitiveness of Muncie-Delaware County as a superior business location. Our services include site location assistance, retention and expansion of existing businesses, and customized research for business prospects considering Muncie-Delaware County.
The EDA’s administrative entities are Delaware Advancement Corporation and the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
About The Site Selectors Guild
The Site Selectors Guild is a professional association comprised of the world’s most respected site selection consultants. The mission of The Site Selectors Guild is to advance the profession of international corporate site selection by promoting the profession and providing education, networking and other services to those involved in the industry.
All members of The Site Selectors Guild have been nominated and approved by their industry peers. As the first and only group of its kind, the Site Selectors Guild brings together a dynamic network of site selectors from around the world, combining their talent and expertise to create an invaluable resource, unmatched in its quality, for both corporations seeking site selection assistance and economic development organizations. Founded in 2010 by twelve internationally acclaimed site selectors, The Guild facilitates direct contact between corporations seeking guidance in facility placement and qualified site selection practitioners. For more information see www.siteselectorsguild.com.