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Columbus, Ohio – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest economic development membership organization, today awarded U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) its annual Congressional Leadership in Economic Development Award. The award was presented at IEDC’s annual conference, which is being held virtually between October 13 – 16.
As part of its annual conference, IEDC recognizes the world’s best economic development programs, partnerships and marketing materials, as well as the year’s most influential leaders. Each year, IEDC honors an individual with the Congressional Leadership in Economic Development Award, naming a member of Congress who has made significant contributions to the field of economic development through either continuous support of economic development or for intense work on a single piece of legislation.
“Congresswoman Beatty’s contributions throughout her tenure in both the Ohio House and U.S. House of Representatives have provided vital support for economic development in Ohio and across the country,” said IEDC Chair and One Columbus President and CEO Kenny McDonald. “Congresswoman Beatty continues to be a driving force in improving the state’s infrastructure, housing and workforce, and we are thrilled to honor her ongoing dedication to economic development and equality.”
Since 2013, Congresswoman Beatty has proudly represented Ohio’s Third Congressional District, advocating for economic growth, while supporting workers and businesses. Throughout her career, the Congresswoman has been a strong advocate of policies prioritizing affordable housing, economic equality and education, supporting and sponsoring legislation such as the Raise the Wage Act and Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Beatty was also pivotal in helping Columbus win the $40 million U.S. Department of Transportation Smart City Challenge in 2016, paving the way for Central Ohio to become a national leader in transportation technology.
“I have been passionate about advancing economic development throughout my career, so it is an honor to be recognized by the IEDC for this work,” said Beatty. “This award reflects upon Ohio’s progress over the past decade and the many partners I’ve worked with along the way to help make that possible. I also congratulate the additional individuals and organizations that have been recognized during this year’s awards and thank them for the work they’ve done to further economic development in the United States.”
Prior to her role in the U.S. House of Representatives, Beatty represented the 27th House District of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1999 to 2008. During her five terms in the Ohio House, Beatty rose to become the first female Democratic House Leader in Ohio’s history. Throughout this period, Beatty played an important role in passing legislation that improved economic development throughout the state.
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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 5,200 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 are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedconline.org.
About One Columbus
As the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, One Columbus’ mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future, and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
One Columbus Media Contact
Amy Harman
614-225-6070
ah@columbusregion.com