JumpStart, NorTech and the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) each were recognized by the International Economic Development Council for their work in economic development efforts in the region with gold excellence in economic development awards.

JumpStart received the award for entrepreneurship, NorTech received the award for technology-based economic development, and GCP received the award for its business retention and expansion program.

Although each organization won in different categories, JumpStart director of communications Samantha Fryberger says it shows the unified effort put behind Cleveland’s economic success. “I think it shows a collaborative regional approach to economic development,” she says. “It recognizes that the approach we’re taking is innovative. The framework is set for a community that comes together collectively as a model.”

JumpStart’s efforts to support and grow technology entrepreneurs earned the organization honors. NorTech was recognized in particular for its innovation cluster models, which identify and foster growing industry groups. In the first half of 2012, the GCP’s business retention and expansion team completed 17  projects that resulted in 2,010 jobs created and 3,492 jobs retained. Thirty-three projects are now in the works.

Fryberger is pleased that each organization’s efforts are being recognized on a national level. “There’s a collaborative spirit of regionalism and it’s starting to get noticed,” she says. “And that’s really a great thing.”

Source: Samantha Fryberger
Writer: Karin Connelly