The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development (Mesa OED) received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the international Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the Mesa Business Builder (MBB) Program in the category of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development. Mesa OED will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver Sept. 15-18.
The MBB Program is Mesa's strategic initiative for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship. Created by Mesa OED in 2021, MBB features nine programs and services, divided into three main areas: Information and Communications, Training and Education and Specialty Spaces. The goal of the MBB Program is to enhance competitiveness, build resilience and encourage growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs in Mesa.
"Mesa Business Builder is an important economic development program that helps our small business and entrepreneurial community grow and thrive," said Mesa Mayor John Giles. "I'm proud of our economic development team's work to build this program and the results the program has achieved in Mesa."
"I couldn't be more pleased with the work our team has accomplished," said Mesa Economic Development Director Jaye ODonnell. "Mesa Business Builder has helped hundreds of Mesa businesses and entrepreneurs."
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and play a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
"The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with the Mesa Business Builder Program. This award highlights the Office of Economic Developments 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 the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development."
"We are absolutely thrilled to announce this years award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity with the field," said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDCs Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. "The City of Mesa Office of Economic Developments contribution will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents."