Economic Development Program

Economic Development Program Award recognizes economic development entities for innovative programs that foster best practices. As such, the program relates to financing, workforce development, tourism, agriculture, and so forth.

To be eligible, the program must be nominated by a MEDA member. The program must have been completed during the previous three years, or a major phase must have been successfully completed during the previous three years.

MEDA bestows awards for Economic Development Program in the Large Community, Medium Community, and Small Community categories. Nominees serving a community with a population over 100,000 are defined as a Large Community. Nominees serving a community with a population between 50,000-100,000 are defined as a Medium Community. Nominees serving a community with a population below 50,000 are defined as a Small Community.

Entry Fee:

$100.00 online or by check (payable to MEDA)
Mail check to MEDA, P.O. Box 124, Havre de Grace, MD 21078

Deadline:

October 24, 2025

General Information:

You may submit the same entry in more than one category as long as the entry fees are submitted for all categories. Public relations and advertising agencies may submit entries on behalf of their clients (who are MEDA members) if the entry is submitted under the client’s name and address.

Awards will be announced and winning entries will be displayed during the 2026 MEDA Annual Conference. All entries become the property of MEDA, which is not responsible for the loss, damage, or return of entries.

Awards judges are economic development, marketing, and/or business professionals. As such, they have demonstrated expertise in site selection, economic development, and marketing initiatives.

Rules:

To be eligible for the 2026 competition’s Economic Development Program category, entries must have been completed during the previous three years, or a major phase must have been completed and functioning during the previous three years.

All entries must adhere to these additional rules:

This is an open competition, but submissions must be made by MEDA members.
You may submit the same entry in more than one category as long as the entry fees are submitted for all categories entered and all category criteria are met.
Public relations and advertising agencies may submit entries on behalf of their clients (who are MEDA members) if the entry is submitted under the client’s name and address. Public relations and advertising agencies that are MEDA members may also submit.
Marketing and program awards will be presented to the MEDA member who made the nomination.
The Economic Development Program award will be given to the private-sector company.

Please direct all submission questions to Sandy Dubay at sandy@medamd.com, or call 240-608-4441.

Program Nomination Fee*
Price:
Nominating Member Information
Your Name*
First Last
Title*
Organization*
Billing Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Phone*
Your email address*
Community Size*
MEDA bestows awards for Economic Development Program in the Large Community, Medium Community, and Small Community categories. Nominees serving a community with a population over 100,000 are defined as a Large Community. Nominees serving a community with a population between 50,000-100,000 are defined as a Medium Community. Nominees serving a community with a population below 50,000 are defined as a Small Community.
Program Information
Name of Program Nominee*
Contribution to Economic Development Best Practices*
A method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved by other means, and that is used as a benchmark.
Coordination of Partnerships*
Leverage of Resources*
For example, show how your initial investment was able to leverage private sector resources.
Innovation and Creativity*
Examples: Community revitalization, Enhancement of community life, Environmental stewardship, LEED certified, Priority funding zone, etc. Could this be replicated in other jurisdictions?
Jobs - Before*
Must be a number
Jobs - After*
Must be a number
Source of Funds (Public Investment)*
Source of Funds (Private Investment):*
Leverage Resources (Initial Investment)*
Must be a number
Leverage Resources (Total Investment)*
Must be a number
Expansion of tax base (Before)*
Must be a number
Expansion of tax base (After)*
Must be a number
ROI*
(example: jobs, taxes, etc.)
Budget and sources of funding*
Impact on Employment*
(250 words or less)
Expansion of / Impact on the Tax Base*
(250 words or less)
Diversification of Area's Economy*
For example, was a new industry sector introduced into your economy? (250 words or less)
File Upload
5 files max. PDF files are best.
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 5.
Privacy*
- Yes, I would like to allow MEDA to share my submission(s) on the MEDA website
- No, I do not allow MEDA to share my submission(s) on the MEDA website
Payment Information
Payment Type*
- Pay by Credit Card
- Pay by Check
Total
$0.00
Credit Card*
Card Details
Cardholder Name

Please Note:

After you click “Submit,” you should see a Thank You confirmation.
If you DO NOT see that confirmation, your nomination hasn’t been received or processed.
You should also receive a confirmation email. Do not close your browser until this occurs.

Economic Development Program

Entry Fee:

Deadline:

General Information:

Rules:

Nominating Member Information

Program Information

Payment Information

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