The Mid-America Economic Development Council invites you to participate in the 2026 Economic Development Awards!

The Mid-America Economic Development Council (EDC)  launched its 2026 economic development awards. These awards recognize outstanding endeavors in economic development efforts, marketing campaigns, and marketing events in the thirteen Mid-America region states: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This is an annual program held by Mid-America EDC. Each award is given in a small, medium, and large population category in order to recognize economic development achievements at all levels. Continuing from previous years, the categories for organizational awards are:

• Project of the Year 
• Marketing Program 
• Overcoming Adversity 
• Workforce & Talent 
• Entrepreneurial
• Placemaking

This year, the council is also introducing a new organizational award called the People’s Choice Award. This award will be decided at the Mid-America EDC 2026 Annual Conference by the attendees. The attendees will vote on all submitted projects to decide which economic development award submission was most impactful in each of the population categories.

In addition, Mid-America EDC grants the economic development impact award, which recognizes an individual who has met the challenges of providing economic development and who demonstrates the ability and commitment to positively impact their community, organization, or region’s economic growth. To apply, interested parties should visit the Mid-America website for more information.

Winners will be announced at the Mid-America EDC Annual Conference, August 31 - September 2, 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI. Award recipients will be recognized on the Mid-America EDC website and through our social media outlets! Don’t miss this opportunity to highlight your organization’s achievements!