WED Honored with Prestigious International Award

Williston Economic Development (WED) has been recognized on the international stage, receiving the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

This award, which acknowledges outstanding achievement in economic development initiatives, was granted to WED specifically for their innovative efforts during the 2024 Williston Economic Development Week, which had a significant impact on the local community, reaching a population of 25,000 to 200,000 residents.

The accolade will be formally presented at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference, set to take place in Denver, Colorado, from September 15-18. The conference will bring together top professionals from around the globe, and Williston Economic Development’s achievement will be showcased as an example of excellence in the field.

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Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, commended WED for their exemplary work, stating, “Williston Economic Development is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Williston Economic Development Week project. This award highlights the organization’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development.”

Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, echoed these sentiments, noting the broader significance of WED's efforts. “We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year's award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field. Williston Economic Development’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents,” Kramer said.

The 2024 Williston Economic Development Week, which took place from May 6-10, was a highlight of the year for the organization. The week’s activities included an open house, allowing the community to engage directly with WED staff and learn more about the services offered.

Additionally, WED sponsored several key events, including the Williston State of the City Address delivered by Mayor Howard Klug, a Business After Hours event hosted by the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce at Busted Knuckle Brewery, and a ceremony recognizing the Small Business Administration’s North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year.

Barbara Peterson, WED’s marketing and business development coordinator, expressed her pride in the recognition. “We are grateful to earn a Silver Award for our 2024 Williston Economic Development Week. The events we organized not only engaged the community but also showcased our commitment to fostering a vibrant business climate in Williston,” Peterson said.

Williston Economic Development operates under the City of Williston, with a mission to facilitate, lead, and promote a thriving business environment through sound economic policy. The organization’s vision is to position Williston as a recognized, desirable, and sustainable place for diverse industries to conduct business in North Dakota.

The IEDC, which awarded WED this prestigious honor, is the largest organization of its kind, with over 4,300 members dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life in their communities.

Through creating and retaining jobs, and fostering economic growth, IEDC and its members play a critical role in the development of vibrant communities across the globe.