Charleston, SC – Charleston County Economic Development (CCED) has been honored with two Gold Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). These prestigious accolades, presented at the IEDC’s Annual Conference held in Denver, CO, from September 15-18, 2024, recognize CCED’s outstanding achievements in the 2023 Annual Report and 2024 Economic Development Week categories.
The awards highlight CCED’s exemplary contributions to economic development in mid-sized communities with populations between 200,000 and 500,000 residents.
CCED’s award-winning 2023 Annual Report celebrates three decades of economic progress, detailing the department’s instrumental role in driving growth since its founding in 1993. Notable achievements include the creation of 40,000 new jobs and $7 billion in capital investment. The report also underscores CCED’s success in attracting new businesses, supporting existing industries, and enhancing Charleston County’s overall business environment.
In May 2024, CCED marked Economic Development Week with a series of activities aimed at fostering community connections and highlighting local successes. The department visited 31 businesses, hosted events focused on industry collaboration, and facilitated a panel discussion with local government leaders. Charleston County Council also adopted a resolution during the week, recognizing the department’s vital role in advancing the region’s economy.
“Winning two Gold Awards is a tremendous honor for our team,” said Steve Dykes, Executive Director of CCED. “These awards validate the hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking that drive our mission to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life in Charleston County. We’re excited to continue building on this success.”
The IEDC’s Excellence Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate sustained excellence in economic development, community revitalization, and advancing the profession.
