Commerce Receives IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Department of Commerce has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population.

IEDC singled out the five-day, 26-stop, 2,100+ mile Community Impact Tour Commerce’s Quality Places Division took to highlight transformative projects across the state, engage with local stakeholders, and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week.

“Our Community Impact Tour was more than a road trip. It was a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state’s strategic investments are helping spark new economic opportunities in small towns and larger cities alike, and we are honored that IEDC recognized this important work.”

The Quality Places Division within the agency will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit on September 14-17.

“The Kansas Department of Commerce is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Community Impact Tour initiative,” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said. “This award shines a spotlight on the state’s commitment to its communities and showcases the significant impact of economic development. And IEDC is honored to present this award to Commerce to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors an array of entities, initiatives and programs that are consistently demonstrating excellence in the realm of economic development. Those honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized on a national stage, and this is actually the second award this initiative has received,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Earlier this year, the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) also honored the Community Impact Tour. These recognitions reinforce the importance of investing in community connections and quality-of-life improvements across the state.”