Tech Parks Arizona Wins Three International Economic Development Awards
Tech Parks Arizona won three awards from The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) which recognized the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders through the Excellence in Economic Development Awards. Economic Development Council’s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. The honor was presented during the IEDC Annual Conference.
The following awards were received:
Silver Award for Tech Parks Arizona 25yr Special Section in BizTucson, Magazine and Newsletter
Tech Parks Arizona teamed up with BizTucson to highlight the first 25 years of success with a focus on the future. The 52-page special section detailed university-based economic development activities, showcasing examples of successful tech companies, university connections, and how Tech Parks supports innovation through all stages of development. This collection of stories publicized this innovation catalyst and driver for economic development in a journalistic style capturing the depth of the customized business support provided. Now a tool for business development purposes to potential tenants and shared with Tech Park tenants and startups, economic development professionals, developers and partners as a promotional and pride piece – reinforcing that Tech Parks is a critical component of the Southern Arizona high tech economy.
Bronze Award for Tech Parks Arizona 25yr Future Focused Video, Multimedia/Video Promotion
As part of the 25year anniversary campaign, Tech Parks Arizona developed a video to demonstrate the significance of how a supportive business environment builds a thriving economy. People from the park, representing university, innovation, and global impact bring the story to life. Using a first-class video production team including the Caliber Group and Litteer Films, this video brings the technology playground directly to the audience. The branded 25-year video carried the campaign theme future-forward into the storyline and captured the culture and spirit of the Park so that viewers felt the energy and “power of place”. The video has been used for business attraction purposes, securing investment, and showcasing the University of Arizona as well as informing policymakers how economic drivers like this employment hub multiply jobs in the region.
Bronze Award for its Tamales and Tech Parks Arizona, Special Event
COVID-19 meant a new era of business development. The Tamales and Tech Parks campaign provided a new way to engage site consultants, commercial brokers, and other strategic partners to highlight Tech Parks Arizona as a strategic business location advantage by offering a virtual FAM tour while enjoying a taste of Tucson. Attendees received an email with business rankings, details of the University of Arizona campus connection, and a link to order gourmet tamales. Participants selected their tamales and received a branded delivery including a map of where they were “going” for lunch. Quickly, this program gained traction and raised public awareness of Tucson as an attractive business location full of opportunities.
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards acknowledges the world’s best economic development practices and people. In total, 35 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their endeavor in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day”, said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing campaigns, projects and partnerships have measurably improved regional quality of life.”
“We have been very strategic in our economic development activities and to be recognized by IEDC reinforces the significance of the work being done at Tech Parks Arizona. A win for us is a win for the region as it contributes directly to building a robust economy in Southern Arizona,” shared Carol Stewart, Associate Vice President of Tech Parks Arizona.
About Tech Parks Arizona
Tech Parks Arizona creates the “Interactive Ground” that generates, attracts and retains technology companies and talent in alignment with the research, mission and goals of the University of Arizona. Tech Parks Arizona directs the UA Tech Park, the UA Tech Park at The Bridges and the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, placing the highest priority on recruiting companies desiring connectivity to the University of Arizona.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 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. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org
