Oklahoma Economic Development Excellence Celebrated Through 2026 IEDC Awards
Oklahoma’s economic development community is celebrating a remarkable showing on the national stage, as communities and organizations from across the state have been recognized through the 2026 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Awards.
Select Oklahoma proudly congratulates its members who earned recognition for innovative programs, successful partnerships and impactful economic development efforts. Collectively, these awards demonstrate the depth, creativity and commitment of Oklahoma’s economic development professionals and organizations working every day to create opportunity and strengthen communities.
“This is a tremendous reflection of the quality of economic development work happening throughout Oklahoma,” said Andrea Anderson, 2026 Chair of Select Oklahoma. “These awards represent much more than individual projects. They demonstrate what can happen when communities, economic development organizations, businesses, workforce partners and state leaders work together toward a common goal.”
Oklahoma’s 2026 IEDC award recipients include:
- Oklahoma Department of Commerce ACES — Gold, Business Retention & Expansion; Best in Show nominee
- Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation — Gold, Magazine/Newsletter; Bronze, Digital Media
- Choctaw Nation — Gold, Print Promotion; Gold, Neighborhood Development; Bronze, Special Events
- Tulsa Innovation Lab — Bronze, Multi-year Collaborative Economic Development; Bronze, Business Retention & Expansion
- Blackwell Economic Development Authority — Bronze, Multi-year Collaborative Economic Development
- Ponca City Development Authority — Silver, Entrepreneurism & Small Business; Bronze, Business Retention & Expansion
- Claremore Economic Development — Silver, Business Retention & Expansion
- Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation — Silver, Talent Development & Retention
- City of Collinsville — Bronze, Innovation in Economic Development
The recognition also comes alongside another significant accomplishment for Oklahoma’s economic development profession: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation will berecognized as a newly Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) at the IEDC conference in October.
The breadth of this year’s recognition—from business retention and expansion and talent development to entrepreneurship, neighborhood development, marketing, innovation and collaborative economic development—reflects the many ways Oklahoma communities are working to grow their economies, support existing businesses and create opportunities for their residents.
At the center of that statewide effort is Select Oklahoma, the state’s professional economic development association. Through its membership, Select Oklahoma represents nearly 90% of Oklahoma, creating a powerful statewide network of economic development professionals and organizations committed to advancing economic opportunity in their communities.
Select Oklahoma provides its members with professional development, networking, collaboration, industry knowledge and opportunities to share best practices. By connecting economic development professionals across the state, the organization helps strengthen the profession while creating opportunities for communities to learn from one another and work together on the challenges and opportunities facing Oklahoma.
Select Oklahoma’s primary statewide partners include the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Business Roundtable. Together, these organizations help support a coordinated economic development ecosystem that connects local communities with state resources, business leaders and economic development expertise.
The accomplishments recognized through the 2026 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards are a testament to the strength of that ecosystem. They demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when local economic development organizations, state agencies, business leaders and community partners work together.
“These awards are a win for the entire state,” said Andrea Anderson, Select Oklahoma Chair. “When one Oklahoma community succeeds, it creates knowledge, momentum and inspiration that can benefit communities across the state. Select Oklahoma is proud to represent and support the professionals doing this work every day, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments on a national stage.”
From rural communities to Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan areas, this year’s award recipients demonstrate that economic development excellence is happening across Oklahoma. Their recognition not only celebrates individual achievements—it highlights the collective strength, professionalism and innovation of Oklahoma’s economic development community.
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