IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.

[Wilkes-Barre, PA October 25, 2024] – Communities greatly benefit when talented people with vision, creativity and intelligence stay in the region, which is why it’s important to educate Northern Pennsylvania’s young people about opportunities that enable them to build a successful life close to home. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) is providing that valuable information in award-winning fashion through its Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program that was recently honored.

NEPIRC was presented with a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver that took place in September. The award was bestowed specifically for NEPIRC’s work in the Talent Pipeline Development and Retention category.

NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team initiative increases high school and college student awareness of outstanding careers available within Pennsylvania’s advanced manufacturing field. Dream Team Ambassadors are manufacturing associates who speak enthusiastically to young people and educators about their career journeys through in-school presentations, Career Day booths and Career Fair attendance.

Jenelle Osborne, NEPIRC’s talent stream coordinator, who attended the conference to accept the award, said, “It is an honor for NEPIRC’s Manufacturing Ambassador Dream Team program to be recognized internationally for excellence in economic development, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the execution of our program’s objectives. I am incredibly proud of our Dream Team Ambassadors who share their passion and career journeys with students to inspire them to consider rewarding careers in manufacturing, contributing to the success of this initiative.”

Several NEPIRC representatives and Dream Team Ambassadors attended the conference in Denver to accept this prestigious award and had the opportunity to meet with PA Department of Community and Economic Development representatives.

“NEPIRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Manufacturing

Ambassador Dream Team program. This award highlights NEPIRC’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to NEPIRC, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”

The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program consists of 26 unique categories showcasing transformative projects that have profoundly impacted communities, regions and nations. Award winners are recognized in-person at its annual conference and throughout the year via IEDC’s communication channels. All organizations, big or small, in rural, urban or suburban communities, U.S.-based or international, are eligible and encouraged to participate in this competitive program.

For more information about NEPIRC’s Dream Team Ambassador Program, visit the NEPIRC website at www.nepirc.com. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your classroom, email Jenelle Osborne at Jenelle@nepirc.com.

 

NEPIRC is a not-for-profit organization providing world-class technical, engineering, consultative, and training services to small and mid-sized manufacturers across an 11-county

region of northeastern, northern and parts of central Pennsylvania. More information can be found at www.NEPIRC.com or via email to Chelsey Coslett-Traver at Chelsey@nepirc.com.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 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 IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.

Information provided to TVL by:
Lindsey Dedics