Vail Valley Partnership Wins W.A.C.E Recognition for Economic Development Program
(AVON, Colorado – February 8, 2016) – Vail Valley Partnership (VVP), the region’s community development organization, was recently awarded an “Outstanding Core Competency Award” at the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) annual conference on February 3, 2016.
Each year in February at the annual conference, W.A.C.E. recognizes the “best and the brightest” in the chamber industry through a variety of special individual awards. The Western Association of Chamber Executives also presents special recognition to chambers in the areas of newsletters, e-newsletters, websites, marketing materials, and best new programs. Starting in 2010, W.A.C.E. started recognizing chambers with an “Outstanding Core Competency Award”. Core Competency areas include: Creating a Strong Local Economy, Promoting the Community, Political Action, Representing Interest of Business with Government, and Networking and Building Business Relationships.
Vail Valley Partnership entered their Eagle County Economic Development Plan under the categories of Creating a Strong Local Economy, Representing Interest of Business with Government, and Promoting the Community.
The Economic Development Plan was developed in 2013 and was implemented in 2014 with continued enhancements through the present day. The Plan outlines six core objectives to position Eagle County’s economy for long-term success:
- Build a Business-Friendly Eagle County
- Create and Market an Eagle County Business Brand
- Retain, Grow and Recruit Businesses
- Protect our Natural Environment
- Expand Opportunity in our Leading Sectors (Tourism and Recreation, Health & Wellness and Creative Industries
- Provide Support for a Quality Workforce (Affordable Housing, Education, Transportation and Health)
“Development of a regional/county-wide economic development strategic plan was the result of a six-month public engagement process designed to give private enterprise a voice on how Eagle County should best structure local economic development efforts to support economic vitality,” said Chris Romer, President & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership.
The Economic Development Plan has resulted in numerous tangible benefits to the community including the launch of a business retention & expansion program (Smart Business Eagle County), launch of a trailing spouse program (My Partner Career Network), a new website (VailValleyMeansBusiness.com), and a new business brand for the community (Vail Valley Economic Development).
The “Outstanding Core Competency Award” from W.A.C.E. joins the growing list of recognition VVP has achieved surrounding their Economic Development initiative. Vail Valley Partnership plans to capitalize on the wide recognition garnered by these prestigious awards by expanding the awareness of the Vail Valley as a great place to do business. For more information on the Eagle County Economic Development Plan or any of the programs associated with it, contact Jeremy Rietmann, Business Development Director, at jrietmann@visitvailvalley.com or 970-477-4012 or visit www.VailValleyMeansBusiness.com.