Golden Shovel Agency Clients Win Big at MAEDC Awards

Winners in the MAEDC Economic Development Awards.

3 Sep 2026


Client Feature Article

LITTLE FALLS, MN – Three Golden Shovel Agency clients have received recognition in Mid-America Economic Development Corporation’s 2026 Economic Development Awards for projects that helped their communities overcome adversity, grow their workforce, and create inviting new public spaces. MAEDC presented the awards Sept. 1 at the organization’s annual conference in Grand Rapids, MI.
 

Golden Shovel Agency client wins include: 

  • Chippewa Economic Development Corporation in the Overcoming Adversity category for the organization’s response to the closure of St. Joseph’s Hospital.  
  • York County Development Corporation in the Workforce & Talent category for its use of a popular podcast to anchor a successful workforce attraction and business development strategy.
  • Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC in the Overcoming Adversity category for its Coal Creek Station/Rainbow Energy Center project and in the Placemaking category for its Citizen’s Alley and Downtown Minot Activation Strategy.
     

MAEDC’s Economic Development Awards recognize outstanding endeavors in economic development and marketing. The Overcoming Adversity Award is for projects that showed a creative and impactful solution to addressing challenges such as a factory shut down or a natural disaster. The Workforce & Talent Award recognizes an innovative program for attracting or strengthening workforce, and the Placemaking Award recognizes projects that transform underutilized public spaces to make a community a better place to live, work and play. 

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GOLDEN SHOVEL AGENCY is a full-service economic development communications firm that helps communities, regions, and states grow and prosper. With over a decade of experience in the industry, its team of experts provides tailored solutions to attract and retain businesses, create jobs, and promote economic growth. Golden Shovel Agency specializes in website development, marketing and branding, workforce development, strategic planning, and business retention and expansion. Its innovative approach and commitment to customer service have earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in economic development. Learn more about Golden Shovel Agency at GoldenShovelAgency.com or on Facebook, LinkedIn or X. 
 

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