With Detroit hosting the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation was on hand to participate in panels, accept six Excellence Awards, and celebrate its Accredited Economic Development Organization designation
Last week, Detroit rolled out the red carpet for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference – and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) was seeing silver and gold.
As part of the IEDC’s Annual Conference, the MEDC celebrated its six Excellence in Economic Development Awards – three gold and three silver – for its work to support vibrant communities across the state, develop and retain talent and build a future where everyone can “Make It in Michigan.” Announced in August, the annual Excellence Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships.
This international recognition for the MEDC builds on its designation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the IEDC in April 2025 – a prestigious honor that recognizes professional excellence among economic development organizations worldwide. The MEDC is one of only two U.S. state agencies to receive AEDO accreditation, affirming its position as a national leader in economic development strategy, innovation, and execution.
During the conference, representatives from the MEDC were also on hand to participate in panel discussions.
Spencer Lucker, director of strategic talent initiatives for the MEDC, participated in a panel on “Building Broad Immigrant-Inclusive Economic Development Strategies to Boost Your Economic Development Performance, Impact, and Metrics,” which highlighted the characteristics of the immigrant-inclusive economic development that MEDC and partners are advancing, providing both the case for considering immigrant populations in strategic planning and program development and also tangible examples of success.
Amy Rencher, senior vice president of small business and talent, spoke during the “Made in Michigan: Transitioning to the Future of Manufacturing” session, which explored how the Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office, the MEDC and Next Street are using place-based industrial policy to support small manufacturers, prepare workers and foster resilient communities.
And MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. participated in the Closing Plenary discussion on “Igniting What’s Next” hosted by Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. The session shared perspectives on the future of economic development alongside other leaders including Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO.
MEDC’s IEDC Excellence Awards
The MEDC received three gold and three silver Excellence Awards in categories that represent placemaking, talent solutions, mobility initiatives and small business support across the state:
- Ore Dock Real Estate – Rosewood Expansion Project (Gold Winner, Real Estate Development & Reuse)
- Talent Action Team (Gold Winner, Talent Development & Retention and Silver Winner, Public-Private Partnership)
- Michigander Scholars Program (Gold Winner, Postsecondary Education Partnership)
- Match on Main – 2021 Program Relaunch (Silver Winner, Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation)
- Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (Silver Winner, Multi-Year Collaborative Economic Development)
Learn more about the projects here.
Governor Whitmer’s Fireside Chat
On the final day of the IEDC Annual Conference, Governor Gretchen Whitmer participated in a fireside chat, where she discussed how Michigan is preparing its workforce, the vision for the state’s economic future and what she hoped would be the lasting impression of Detroit for IEDC conference attendees.
“You’re all ambassadors for the American economy, and the relationships you forge really matter,” said Gov. Whitmer.
The theme of this year’s IEDC Annual Conference was “Igniting the Future: Catalyzing Opportunity, Vitality, and Prosperity.” Thanks to Detroit’s powerful story of innovation, transformation and resilience, the city is a symbol of what is possible when communities embrace change and move forward.
