SE Center for Regional Economic Development receives Economic Development Award

October 22, 2008

Acknowledging the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Center for Regional Economic Development for its collaboration endeavor, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented its Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration award to the Durant, Oklahoma-based entity at IEDC's Annual Conference, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, October 19-22. The organization was noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 21st.

"Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve quality of life in every locality across the country," said Robin Roberts Krieger, IEDC chair. "As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With the award, we laud trendsetting organizations like the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Center for Regional Economic Development for leading the charge."

Competing in the category of Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, the Center for Regional Economic Development was a clear standout with the Texoma Regional Consortium (TRC). TRC is a regional two state consortium (Oklahoma and Texas), that is focused on competing as a region, even with the strong history of state and football rivalries. The Texoma region is identified as 13 counties--three in Texas and 10 in Oklahoma based on workforce designated regions. This initiative began due to a realization that although the region is divided by a river and state line, the area shares a workforce, over 2,900 new jobs and an all-time low unemployment rate of 3.4%. The group completed industry cluster focus groups, strategic plans and initiatives to provide business retention and workforce programs. This group is comprised of economic developers, workforce representatives, secondary and higher education representatives, local, regional, and state agencies working together to ensure continuation of a prosperous region. The most innovative part of this process has been collaboration and consensus with the two-state regional workforce and economic development coalition. TRC has been effective in reaching consensus, getting buy-in from all levels of bureaucracy, developing a working plan, and working the plan through industry-focused summits and an annual regional comprehensive conference.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.