Awards to Strengthen NC Economic Developers

NCEDA supports the advancement of outstanding economic development practitioners with our annual award recognition. All NCEDA awards and past recipients are listed below.

The association established a Lifetime Service Award in 2022. The nomination period for this award is open each September, and the recipients are announced at the Fall Conference in October. Click HERE to view past recipients.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2025 LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD NOMINATION FORM

The nomination period for all other NCEDA Awards opens each year in the spring. Please contact Liz Dobbins-Smith with any questions.

Economic Developer of the Year
This award recognizes an NCEDA member who is making significant and measurable contributions to their local community and the North Carolina economic development community as a whole. The nominee should demonstrate leadership, excellence, creativity and show initiative with work-related professional accomplishments.
See our honorees.

Emerging Leader of the Year
This award recognizes an NCEDA member emerging leader who is making significant and measurable contributions to their local community and the North Carolina economic development community as a whole. The nominee should demonstrate leadership, excellence, creativity and show initiative with work-related professional accomplishments.
See our honorees.

Deal of the Year
This award recognizes up to three NCEDA members from three different sized communities who achieved a significant project. This award will allow opportunities for nominators to recognize the primary recipient, but also supporting team members, organizations and/or private sector allies that played a critical role in a specific deal. This award will help NCEDA recognize developers achieving significant deals in communities with varying sizes, character and target markets.
See our honorees.

Innovator of the Year
This award recognizes an NCEDA member for their leadership on a unique and impactful state, regional or local initiative designed to overcome a specific challenge or capitalize on an opportunity relevant to the economic development field. Examples, among other ideas, could include the development of a creative product development initiative, workforce development collaboration, a new talent attraction effort or unique business, retention and expansion program that had a measurable impact on the local, regional or state economy. Nominations are allowed a 3-year period from the launch date of the innovation to submit for consideration in order to demonstrate success.
See our honorees.

Career Achievement Award
NCEDA periodically recognizes an outstanding member of the association to recognize their career achievement in economic development.
See our honorees.

President’s Award
NCEDA’s current Board President has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member for career-long support of North Carolina’s economic development community.
See our honorees.

Legislator of the Year
NCEDA periodically recognizes members of the North Carolina Senate and North Carolina House of Representatives in recognition for their exceptional support for the state’s economic development efforts.
See our honorees.