Golden Shovel Agency Clients Win IEDC Awards, Recognized as International Leaders in Economic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025

For more information, contact:
Bethany Quinn
President
Golden Shovel Agency
bquinn@goldenshovelagency.com

Golden Shovel Agency Clients Win IEDC Awards, Recognized as International Leaders in Economic Development

Five organizations take home IEDC 2025 Excellence Awards for standout strategies in community advancement and innovation

LITTLE FALLS, MN – Five Golden Shovel Agency (GSA) clients received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Award(s) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The awards were specifically for the organizations’ work in General Purpose Websites, Best Use of Federal Resources, Multimedia Production and Magazine & Newsletter categories. These GSA clients will be acknowledged at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, MI, September 14-17.

“We are incredibly proud to see our clients recognized on this international stage,” said Bethany Quinn, President of Golden Shovel Agency. “These awards are a testament to their forward-thinking leadership and commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. It’s an honor to support their work and help amplify the impact they’re making in economic development across the country.”

Selected by a distinguished panel of judges, this year’s award-winning projects and organizations exemplify the innovation and dedication driving transformative economic growth. The Excellence in Economic Development Awards span 26 categories, recognizing outstanding programs, initiatives, and leaders whose work is strengthening communities today and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

"This year's winners truly embody the spirit of innovation and excellence in economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC’s President and CEO. “Their outstanding efforts have not only enhanced their own communities but also serve as a benchmark for impactful and sustainable economic development worldwide.”

Each year, IEDC seeks out economic development organizations, government agencies, initiatives, and programs demonstrating outstanding performance by leading high-impact projects, revitalizing communities, and advancing economic development through innovation and leadership.

The list of Golden Shovel clients who won 2025 IEDC Awards includes:

AdvanceCT

“AdvanceCT Website Redesign,” Gold Winner in the General Purpose Website category for a population greater than 500,000.

City of Beulah

“Beulah's Strategic Plan: Enabling a Thriving Community With Clean, Sustainable Natural Resources,” Silver Winner in the Best Use of Federal Resources category for a population less than 25,000.

City of Elgin, TX Economic Development Corporation

“Video Campaign Supporting Business Development for City of Elgin, TX Economic Development Corporation,” Gold Winner in the Multimedia Production category, for a population less than 25,000.

Phelps County Development Corporation

“Phelps County Business Journal,” Silver Winner in the Magazine & Newsletter category, for a population less than 25,000.

Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation

"Broken Arrow Magazine and Newsletter” Gold Winner in the Magazine & Newsletter category, for a population between 25,000 - 200,000.

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THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 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 engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

GOLDEN SHOVEL AGENCY is a full-service economic development marketing agency. Whether the goal is to attract and support great businesses or great talent, we are your specialists in the industry. We’ve helped hundreds of communities across the globe shape and tell their stories to strengthen the vitality of their regional economies.

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FAQ About the International Economic Development Council Awards

What are the IEDC awards?

The IEDC awards recognize leaders in the economic development industry from throughout the world. There are multiple categories organizations can apply for such as the Best Economic Development Organization, innovative strategic plans, best designed website, etc. Each category recognizes the steps being taken by economic developers to strengthen their communities. 

Are IEDC awards for U.S. organizations only?

No. The 2025 IEDC award winners include Canadian organizations as well, for example. The organization serves the economic development community across the world. 

How are organizations selected to receive an IEDC award?

The process is competitive and involves creating a profile on the IEDC website, completing an application and providing supporting documentation. A panel of IEDC members reviews each application and determines who will win in each category, and within each population size. Everyone pays the same amount to submit an application so who wins is not related to sponsorships, but on achievement. That's why it's rewarding to have Golden Shovel clients recognized each year - it's a testament their efforts and the work we do to support them.

What types of organizations qualify to receive an IEDC award?

Organizations involved in economic development can apply for an IEDC award. They break down each category by population so that small, rural communities are competing against each other, suburbs are competing against suburbs, and metro areas are competing against other metro areas, etc.  Within those population brackets you could have cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, regional and private organizations apply.

When are IEDC award submissions due?

Applications for an IEDC award are typically due in the spring. Winners are announced in the summer and then recognized at the IEDC Fall Conference - usually in September. The exact due date will fluctuate based on the year but economic development organizations who plan to apply for an IEDC award you plan on starting the application in March or April so you have plenty of time to gather supporting data and documents, draft the application, and get it submitted. 

How is Golden Shovel connected to IEDC?

Golden Shovel Agency is a member of IEDC, like many economic development organizations and industry partners. We contribute to industry thought leadership and participate in trainings and conferences as requested. Our clients receive IEDC awards each year for the work that we do to support their economic development organizations. These range from their economic development website receiving an IEDC gold award to videos, newsletters, and storytelling content being recognized. Our clients also win awards for brochure and marketing materials we develop and their strategic plans. We are a full-service firm dedicated to empowering economic developers to make real and lasting change for their communities.