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Columbus, Ohio – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest economic development membership organization, today recognized former City of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman for its annual Chairman’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Economic Development. 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. IEDC’s 35 annual awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities across the country. Each year, IEDC honors an individual with the Chairman’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Economic Development, naming someone who has shown a long-standing, exemplary commitment to economic development throughout their career.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mike Coleman for 10 years, and during that time, I have greatly benefited from his ongoing confidence in Central Ohio’s future,” said IEDC Chair and One Columbus President and CEO Kenny McDonald. “Mike Coleman made economic development a priority throughout his 16 years as Columbus mayor, and he continues to do so through his work at the Ice Miller law firm. We are excited to celebrate his influence on our local community and the entire economic development field.”
Currently serving as Partner-in-Charge of Ice Miller’s Government Law Group, Mayor Coleman leads a legal and professional team in Ohio, which addresses the challenges and opportunities of creating partnerships between local organizations. As Mayor of Columbus from 2000 to 2015, Mayor Coleman was the longest serving mayor in the city’s history. Once elected, one of his first initiatives as mayor was developing a Columbus Downtown Business Plan to return jobs and housing to the city’s downtown. During his tenure, Mayor Coleman also helped secure significant funding for infrastructure and neighborhood development to boost the economy.
“Receiving this award is an honor that was a lifetime in the making, so I am thrilled to be named among some of the most influential economic development professionals in the world,” said Former City of Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “This award is a testament to the local partners I’ve collaborated with over the years to make the Columbus Region an economic development powerhouse. I remain passionate about building prosperity and enhancing the quality of life in Central Ohio and look forward to assisting the Region’s continued momentum.”
In addition to his role at Ice Miller, Mayor Coleman also serves on the Board of Directors of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. and participates in Real Estate Development Groups. Mayor Coleman continues to promote economic development and speaks regularly at conferences and events on issues involving economic development; neighborhood revitalization and environmental stewardship; and leadership.
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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 the City of Columbus
The City of Columbus is the 14th largest city in the United States with a population of 879,170 residents. The Columbus economy is balanced with a combination of education, technology, government, research, insurance and health care entities as major employers within the City. Columbus is gaining nationwide recognition for its booming downtown, historic neighborhoods, arts and sporting districts, open attitude and a noticeably affordable quality of life. Learn more about the City of Columbus at columbus.gov/development/Economic-Development.
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