Prince William County Levels Up at IEDC 2023

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development’s (PWCDED) marketing and real estate development projects were recognized at this year’s International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2023 Excellence Awards, which were announced earlier today at the organization’s annual conference in Dallas, Texas.

IEDC is the largest nonprofit association for professional economic developers in the world, and these awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. Twenty-five award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

For the population size between 200,000 and 500,000, PWCDED won the following awards for Economic Excellence:

• Silver: Matty Dee for The NOVA Bioscience Center™ — Multimedia / Video Production
• Bronze: 2Silos at Farm Brew LIVE — Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse

“Never discount how an imagination paired with a sense of humor can elevate your message,” said Christina Winn, executive director at PWCDED. "Our marketing team produced a parody video that not only made us laugh, but also garnered national attention for our bioscience center! These awards showcase the dynamic placemaking at Innovation Park, which started with our award-winning real estate redevelopment and reuse at our landmark 2Silos Brewery at Farm Brew LIVE.”

Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world, following a nomination process held earlier this year.

In addition to the awards announcement, PWCDED Director of Marketing and Communications Trevor Johnson earned his Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certificate. The CEcD program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession, and it is the only certification program for economic developers in the United States.

"Over the last several years in county government, I have developed a passion for understanding and encouraging the relationships that determine our future,” said Johnson. “I am thankful that our county leadership has invested in my growth as a leader and as a professional, and I hope this certificate continues to increase our team’s strategic advantage at the regional and national levels."

Previous IEDC awards include:

• 2022 – Bronze: The IGNITE Startup Grant Program
• 2022 – Bronze: PWCDED.org
• 2021 – Gold: Building Momentum Channel
• 2021 – Silver: ELEVATE: Building Business and Careers
• 2021 – Silver: Catch the Innovation
• 2021 – Bronze: Capital Investment & Innovation Grant
• 2017 – Gold: Prince William Science Accelerator
• 2014 – Bronze: Potomac Communities Brochure
• 2003 – Honorable Mention: Program
• 2002 – Honorable Mention: Program