General News
October 2, 2018
Burlington Economic Development Corp. Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council
WASHINGTON, DC (October 02, 2018) – Burlington Economic Development Corp. received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its The Grand Opening of TechPlace, a project in the category of Special Event of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held September 29 – October 3, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Anita Cassidy Acting BEDC Executive Director and Mark Steffler, Manager of TechPlace were in Atlanta to accept the award.
BEDC Acting Executive Director, Anita Cassidy is thrilled about this accomplishment “the opening of TechPlace brought together partners from the public and private sphere to celebrate and bring awareness to the launch of TechPlace. This event created vital recognition for TechPlace and contributed to its first-year success.” Cassidy continued “this event would not be possible without the support from our partners at the City of Burlington, Angel One, Haltech, Halton’s Regional Innovation Centre and the BEDC team including Claire Green who managed the space and during the first year of operations and Andie Weese the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.”
Since opening in June 2017, TechPlace has welcomed over 5,500 visitors, hosted over 100 events and welcomed 7 new companies to the LaunchPad Program. Of the seven LaunchPad companies, four came from outside Halton Region including Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga and Waterloo and two Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies from the UAE and Finland. This diverse group of companies demonstrates the reach TechPlace has on Ontario based companies and internationally in building Burlington’s brand as a destination to start and grow innovative companies.
“This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses. We congratulate all the award winners, and thank everyone who nominated their projects for sharing their success with fellow IEDC members. What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2019 awards program.” -Craig Richard, CEcD, FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation located in Tampa, Florida, and 2018 IEDC Board Chair.
About BEDC
Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) has a mandate to enhance the growth prospects of existing companies and bring new high-value firms to the community. BEDC’s focus is on growing the economic base to sustain Burlington’s competitive and prosperous community. BEDC is the first point of contact for companies looking to expand, start-up or locate in Burlington.
About TechPlace
TechPlace is a one stop destination for new and growing technology companies. With the support of partners from across the public and private sectors, it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking, and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace.
Led by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideas come together under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.
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Media Contact
BEDC Acting Executive Director, Anita Cassidy
anita.cassidy@burlington.ca
905 332 9415 x 7258