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U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke Announces Michigan Organizations as Excellence in Economic Development Award Recipients

June 5, 2009
Contact: Bryan Borlik, (202) 482-4085

Saginaw Future, Inc.; Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce of Saginaw, Michigan Win Award for Environmental or Energy Economic Development

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced that Saginaw Future, Inc., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce of Saginaw, Mich., received the 2009 Excellence in Economic Development Award for Excellence in Environmental or Energy Economic Development for their commitment to research-based, market driven economic development in helping grow the local economy.

"Saginaw Future, Inc., the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce represent the best and brightest in 21st century economic development," Locke said. "Excellence Award winners exemplify the importance of supporting regional strategies to ensure American communities succeed in the global marketplace and create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs."

"I want to extend my utmost congratulations to Saginaw Future, the MEDC, and the Saginaw Country Chamber of Commerce on their extraordinary accomplishment," Senator Debbie Stabenow said. "This award is a further testament to the cutting-edge development of renewable energy technology that is happening right here in Michigan. By helping to grow the industries of the 21st century and beyond, these companies are at the forefront of the economic innovation we need to create good jobs and move Michigan forward."

Nominations are made annually in different categories and are evaluated by a Selection Panel appointed by the Assistant Commerce Secretary for Economic Development.

This year's categories were:

  • Excellence in Urban or Suburban Economic Development

  • Excellence in Rural Economic Development

  • Excellence in Environmental or Energy Economic Development

  • Excellence in University-led Economic Development

  • Excellence in Economic Diversification Strategies

  • Excellence in Community and Faith-based Social Entrepreneurship

  • Excellence in Historic Preservation-led Strategies.

  • EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.