Economic Development Council names statewide award winners

The City of Durango and City and County of Broomfield were named the 2024 Small Community of the Year and Large Community of the Year, respectively, by the Economic Development Council of Colorado at an event in which 10 Colorado communities and individuals were recognized for outstanding achievement.

The EDIE awards, which celebrate economic development excellence, were announced during the EDCC’s annual Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference, Oct. 13-16, 2024, in Beaver Creek.

The awards highlight impactful contributions that enhance Colorado’s economic vitality and foster vibrant communities committed to resilience and quality of life. They recognize the strong partnerships among economic and workforce development organizations, educational institutions and the business community, showcasing the efforts that drive economic growth in the state. This year’s 10 award recipients:

• Small Community of the Year: City of Durango
• Large Community of the Year: City and County of Broomfield
• Economic Development Partnership: Elizabeth Garner, state demographer, Colorado Department of Local Affairs
• Legislators of the Year: Senator Jeff Bridges (District 26), Representative Marc Catlin (District 58), Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (District 23)
• Legislator Lifetime Achievement Award: Senator Dylan Roberts (District 8)
• Rookie of the Year: Tommy Crosby, economic opportunity manager, City of Durango
• Chairman’s Choice Award: Drew Kramer, Immediate EDCC past chair and economic development manager, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
• Economic Development Achievement Award: Stephanie Gonzalez, executive director, Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development

“The night’s honorees represent the diverse tapestry of Colorado’s economic landscape, showcasing how innovation and collaboration fuel growth,” said John Bristol, EDCC board chair and executive director for Routt County Economic Development Partnership. “From vibrant small towns to dynamic urban centers, each winner illustrates our collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for all Coloradans. Their achievements inspire us to continue working together to build a resilient economy that benefits every corner of our state.”

The 2024 Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference provided a platform for leaders from across Colorado to address pressing challenges and seize new opportunities in economic development. The conference attracted roughly 350 attendees, with topics including workforce gaps, emerging trends in site selection and retail, and the evolving landscape of Colorado’s connectivity.