Abilene, TX – October 6, 2023 – The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) was named “Economic Development Organization of the Year” as recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The prestigious “Gold Designation,” awarded for the first time in Abilene’s history, reaffirms the DCOA’s dedication to fostering economic growth and prosperity for the Abilene community.
“We are honored to receive this esteemed recognition from IEDC,” said Misty Mayo, President and CEO of the Development Corporation of Abilene. “We’ve set a gold standard in Abilene, and this award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovative growth and collaboration, cementing Abilene as the premier location for business on the global stage.”
The Excellence in Economic Development Awards by IEDC celebrate outstanding economic development programs, partnerships, marketing materials, and influential leaders worldwide. The prestigious “Gold Designation” awarded to the top Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the Year signifies excellence in demonstrating clear goals and objectives, innovative program development, consistent leadership quality, measurable performance benchmarks, and significant community impact and engagement. This recognition comes on the heels of back-to-back record-breaking years for the DCOA, in which the organization accomplished remarkable achievements in attracting capital investment, business expansion and new job creation.
“This achievement truly embodies the dedication and teamwork of the DCOA team, the critical partnerships forged between the DCOA and the business community, and the power of collaboration,” added Sam Vinson, DCOA Board Chair. “It showcases our collective commitment to elevating Abilene’s economic landscape and solidifying our position as a competitive business hub.”
“This is a historic moment for Abilene, marking the first time we’ve received this prestigious award,” said Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt. “Winning the IEDC Economic Development Organization of the Year demonstrates that Abilene is a unique city with both a rich history and a vibrant future. We’re poised for greatness, and this recognition reinforces that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Since Mayo began her tenure in 2019, the DCOA’s collaborative efforts have resulted in 37 projects choosing Abilene for expansion or relocation – 30 of which were local, existing companies. This has led to over $2.8 billion of total capital investment committed to the community. The award-winning team, along with their Board of Directors, has exceeded its own goals, while simultaneously positioning Abilene as a major player on the world stage.
About The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA):
The DCOA is the economic development driver of Abilene with the goal to build the future Abilene by attracting and sustaining industries that support job creation, foster strong business, and ensure a prosperous community. The DCOA is focused on the future success of the community and leverages the DevelopAbilene partnership to market Abilene as the premier location for business expansion. Learn more about the DCOA and DevelopAbilene at: www.developabilene.com.
About International Economic Development Council (IEDC):
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit organization comprising over 4,300 members, making it the largest of its kind globally. IEDC’s mission is to empower economic developers to promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs. IEDC members are engaged in a diverse range of economic development work, contributing to job growth, vibrant communities, and improved quality of life across regions. Learn more at www.iedc.org.
About Abilene
Abilene, Texas is located in Taylor County, Texas. Directly on I-20 just a two and half hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth metro, Abilene is strategically located in the south-central United States. The city has a population of 126,518 people, and has a labor shed of over 140,000.
###
