The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) has received two 2024 Economic Development Excellence Silver Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its Rural Champions Program. The award was given for the department’s work in the categories of innovative economic development and regional or cross-border partnerships that specifically impact rural communities.
These awards were announced at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver last week.
“The Bureau of Rural Prosperity is setting the standard for economic development excellence through the Rural Champions Program,” said Nathan Orr, IEDC President and CEO. “These awards highlight the Department of Commerce’s commitment to communities and demonstrate the transformative impact of economic development. IEDC awards these awards to the Bureau of Rural Prosperity and recognizes their commitment in the economic development field. We are very proud to celebrate leadership and innovation.”
The Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, developed the Rural Champions Program as a resource to address locally identified issues that community members have sufficient resources to address on their own. Selected community leaders will receive a one-year wage allowance and an implementation grant. You will also work with a team that provides training and other resources to assist you throughout the project.
“As someone who lives in rural Kansan, I can tell you firsthand that rural communities face unique and complex challenges,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Our Rural Champions Program has provided grassroots leaders with the resources to improve their towns and create the change they so desperately need. and truly speaks to our continued commitment to the entire state of Kansas.”
The award was accepted on behalf of the Department of Commerce and the Office of Rural Prosperity by Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary for Quality Place, Trisha Purdon, ORP Director, and Kelly Falletti, Rural Champions Program Manager .
Each year, IEDC specifically seeks out economic development organizations, agencies, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent and exemplary performance in the area of economic development expertise. The implementation of these projects has a significant impact on community revitalization and plays a major role in shaping and improving economic development practices in each region of Kansas.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for our work in developing the Rural Champions program. It truly has been a collaborative partnership that has had an incredible impact on these communities.” said Trisha Purdon, director of the Office of Prosperity. “Our partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation and these community organizations will leave a long-lasting impact on our state for years to come.”
To learn more about regional champions and their projects across Kansas, click here.
