Bonita Springs, Florida  – The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the largest regional economic development association in North America, representing 17 states and the world’s best economy builders, has recognized East Tennessee Economic Development Agency as a top performer in the American South for communications. Each year, SEDC reviews marketing and informational content from organizations across its 17-state footprint, evaluating design, strategy, innovation, and impact. At this year’s SEDC Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida, the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency was awarded as the Best-in-Division for the “Moving. Mountains” brand strategy.

“The American South is the strongest and best-positioned economy on the planet. Within our membership are professionals responsible for billions in corporate investment, millions of created jobs, and those who tell our story across the globe,” stated SEDC President Matt Tackett. “SEDC members compete successfully in a global marketplace, which is why our communications content is truly world-class. The SEDC Communications Awards showcase the best of the best.”

SEDC reviewed member submissions across approximately twenty categories. Judges for the Communication Awards competition included site selection consultants and marketing professionals from across the southern United States. The Communications Awards are presented annually at the SEDC Annual Conference, the Council’s largest event. The 2026 conference brought together 700 professionals over three days to celebrate and advance economic development in the American South.

President and CEO of the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency said, “The ‘Moving. Mountains.’ branding strategy has given East Tennessee a powerful and unified way to tell the story of the industries, assets, people, and unique landscape that define our 15-county region. This recognition highlights the incredible work that went into developing the campaign, but more importantly, it demonstrates the impact of having a clear and compelling voice for our region. We’re proud to see our team’s work recognized among the best economic development communications in the South.”

“This recognition is truly an honor. It reflects the research, strategy and creativity that went into developing our comprehensive ‘Moving. Mountains.’ campaign,” said Emily Walls, VP of Marketing & Communications for the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency. “Knowing the collaboration that went into everything we created makes this award a win for our entire team and for the incredible partners who helped bring the vision to life. Seeing that work recognized by SEDC makes it especially meaningful. Every day, I have the privilege of marketing the place I’ve called home for most of my life, and knowing that our work helps tell the story that attracts investment, creates jobs, and impacts people’s lives for good in East Tennessee makes it even more rewarding.”

About SEDC

SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, with over 1,800 members representing a variety of sectors. From local, regional, and state economic development agencies to chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance, and education, members share a common goal: to accelerate economic development in the American South. To learn more about SEDC, visit www.sedc.org.

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