IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (October 9, 2024) – The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Talent Development and Retention category. The Regional Partnership was acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.

“The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its WE+YOU initiative. This award highlights Regional Partnership’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”

Recognizing the importance of an authentic and unique identity, South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership developed a brand designed to attract and retain talent and encourage economic growth across the region. This brand, WE+YOU, focuses on attracting three primary audiences: students, current or prospective residents, and returners, seeking to raise their awareness and excitement about the region, its assets, amenities, and opportunities.

The Talent Attraction and Retention program has grown into a multi-pronged talent attraction, retention and development initiative that strives to bring and keep skilled talent in the region.

Components of the Initiative include:

• A Remote Worker Strategy: In partnership with MakeMyMove, the program draws remote workers to the South Bend – Elkhart region with relocation incentives.
• Student Immersion Experience: An overnight experience offered free to college students highlighting internship and full-time employment opportunities in the region, while highlighting the area’s quality of place and life.
• Regional Internship Program: Connects interns with opportunities at regional companies, networking programs and activities around the region, while reimbursing employers for a portion of the intern’s wages.
• Regional Skills Accelerator: By offering training grants supporting employee skill development and earning industry recognized credentials and certificates, the Regional Skills Accelerator encourages an innovation-led employee empowerment culture.

“We are deeply honored to receive the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the IEDC,” said Bethany Hartley, President and CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. “This recognition underscores the hard work and dedication of our team, partners, and the community in driving meaningful talent development and retention in the region. Through initiatives like WE+YOU, we are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative community that fosters opportunity and growth for all.”

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice 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 Regional Partnership’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”

 ###

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 South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership

The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, the communities across the region work together to achieve what cannot be done individually. For more information about the Regional Partnership, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.

Media Contact

Liz Folkerts
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
lfolkerts@southbendelkhart.org