Corridor & SEDC recieve MAEDC awards

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026: The Mid-America Economic Development Council presented its annual Economic Development awards at the 2026 Mid-America EDC Annual Conference, held August 31 – September 2 at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids. Award entries were accepted in up to three markets per category – large division (community population over 25,000), medium division (community population between 10,001-25,000), and small division (community population less than 10,000).

Recognition was presented to:

Project of the Year

The Franklin at 11th Street Station – Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City (Large Division)
Michigan City, IN

Applied Digital, Ellendale, North Dakota – City of Ellendale, ND and Applied Digital (Small Division)
Ellendale, ND

Marketing Program

Greater Dubuque Development's YOU can be great here Relocation Guide (Large Division)
Dubuque, IA

Overcoming Adversity

Adjusting to the Closure of St. Joes Hospital – Chippewa Economic Development Corporation (Large Division)
Chippewa Falls, WI

Commercial Business Assistance Grant Program – SEDC (Medium Division)
Spencer, IA

Coal Creek Station – Rainbow Energy Center (Small Division)
Bismarck, ND

Workforce & Talent

Distinctively Dubuque Newcomer Program – Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (Large Division)
Dubuque, IA

17-County Podcast as Part of a Talent Attraction Multimedia Ecosystem – YCDC (Medium Division)
York, Nebraska

Entrepreneurial

Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute – Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Large Division)
Spencer, IA

Business Plan Certified – Cornerstone Alliance (Medium Division)
Benton Harbor, MI

Placemaking

Citizen's Alley + Downtown Minot Activation Strategy (Large Division)
Bismarck, ND

Canal Commons – Cornerstone Alliance (Medium Division)
Benton Harbor, MI

Towns Grant – Kansas Commerce (Small Division)
Topeka, KS

People’s Choice

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library – North Dakota Chamber of Commerce
Medora, ND

Economic Development Impact Award

Rick Dickinson, 30 Years of Leadership in the Greater Dubuque Region

Mid-America EDC members are dedicated economic development professionals who share best practices to add value in their organizations and communities. Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing thought leadership.

For many years, The Mid-America Economic Development Council has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the 13-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities. Select award winners will also host a webinar through Mid-America EDC to highlight the project.

To view more information about this year’s winning award entries, visit https://www.midamericaedc.org/events-and-programs/annual-awards.

For more information about The Mid-America Economic Development Council, visit www.midamericaedc.org.