2011 Ignite! Video Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from International Economic Development Council

Award recognizes organization as leader in video-based promotional marketing practice

EngenuitySC received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Ignite! 2011 Video Series in the category of General Purpose Promotion for communities with populations of 200,000 - 500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is being held September 30 – October 3 in Houston, Texas. George Hutton, Executive Director for EngenuitySC, attended the event to receive the award.

"We recognize EngenuitySC for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. EngenuitySC demonstrates that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."

EngenuitySC's signature annual celebration of all that is the knowledge economy, Ignite! highlights what is powerful and growing in Columbia's entrepreneurial creative class. The annual event, launched in 2003, is a lineup of Columbia's best and brightest who share their stories of challenges and triumphs in a fast-paced hybrid of Pecha Kechua and TedX-style talks. The evening culminates in the Ignite! Ideas Contest where 3 finalists pitch their business ideas to over 500 audience attendees. Attendees then vote via text message for their favorite pitch live. The winner receives $5000, courtesy of Wells Fargo and EngenuitySC, to kickstart their idea.

Headquartered in Columbia, EngenuitySC is a public/private partnership formed to develop and grow the South Carolina Midlands’ knowledge-based economy by fostering an environment where entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are fundamental elements of the region’s culture, identity, and economic development strategy. Through collaboration with business, government, and higher education, EngenuitySC leads initiatives that support research development, promote commercialization, and leverage the region’s assets. For more information, visit www.engenuitysc.com.

IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.