Press Releases

Stuart, FL (September 20, 2011) - The Business Development Board of Martin County received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development for their Martin County Races for Business in the category of Paid Ad Campaign for communities with populations of 25,000 – 200,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 20 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 18-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"We recognize the Business Development Board of Martin County for providing successful strategies to promote new standards in economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Dennis Coleman, IEDC chair.  “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. They are showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."

​When ALMS race driver Scott Sharp located his race team to Martin County, Florida, he was so impressed with the community's speed in accommodating his needs that he agreed to help the organization spread the word. This ad is one of Martin County's first ever paid advertisements designed to recruit from a broad audience. The Business Development Board utilized Florida Trend magazine as a starting point for this outreach, packaging ourselves in three issues that best feature Martin County's strengths: Florida Economic Yearbook, Research Florida, and Business Florida 2012. These issues reach an audience well beyond Florida, and position Martin County within the context of our great state for recruitment purposes.

"We are so proud of this recognition by our peers at IEDC," said Crystal Stiles, Co-Director of the Business Development Board of Martin County. "We strive everyday to rise to the top among fierce global competition, differentiating ourselves as companies search for just the right community to locate their business. All the while, we are mindful of executing an outstanding economic development program that fits within the culture of Martin County."

The Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders.  The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.  Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world.  IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.

About the Business Development Board of Martin County
The Business Development Board of Martin County is the county's official economic development organization, and partner of Enterprise Florida, Inc. and Florida's Research Coast.  The mission of the BDBMC is to promote economic growth in Martin County by retaining and assisting existing targeted businesses and attracting desirable new businesses while preserving the quality of life, and expanding educational and employment opportunities.

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