East Tennessee Economic Development Agency (ETEDA) received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the General Purpose Website category.
“ETEDA is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its new website. This award shines a spotlight on ETEDA’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 this award to ETEDA to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from IEDC. Every page of our website was thoughtfully researched, written, and designed to showcase the incredible assets of our 15-county region. More than a website, it’s a reflection of the people, places, and industries that make East Tennessee extraordinary. We’re proud to have created a resource that not only tells our region’s story but also serves as a valuable tool for attracting new investment and opportunity,” said Emily Walls, ETEDA VP of Marketing & Communications.”
This year’s awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
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About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC): Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.