Have you sent IEDC your Excellence in Economic Development Awards application yet? The early postmark deadline is April 8 (that's tomorrow!) and the final deadline of May 13 is drawing near, so don't delay. With so many categories to choose from, there is certainly one for you.

Here's something to think about - Internet & New Media.

Specifically, the New Media category recognizes innovative use of technology to further economic development initiatives such as marketing, talent attraction and BRE. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, social and digital media platforms.

See a winning New Media project. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), a 2015 Gold award winner, partnered with Google and Pure Michigan to expose Google Maps users to Michigan's finest tourist destinations with Google Trekker.

Google Trekker is a wearable camera that allows Google to capture Street View footage of pedestrian walkways or trails. Michigan is one of the first states to use Google Trekker to draw attention to its booming tourism industry. The partnership gained local, as well as national and even global attention, and resulted in $195,418 in advertising revenue.

While we're talking awards, don't forget to tell us about your Economic Development Week (EDW) celebrations, and apply for the Innovation in EDW Campaign award. Download the application and send it to us (for free!) by June 10.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,700 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 are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

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