The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation was recognized for its work downtown during the International Economic Development Council’s annual conference in Oklahoma City this week.
Specifically, BCIC was honored for its downtown Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) programs and the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization. BCIC earned a Silver Award for its BIG programs in the category of Neighborhood Development. The program provides grants to commercial property owners and tenants downtown for interior and exterior improvements in order to reactivate vacant commercial buildings and house new businesses, and to support expansion of existing businesses, all toward job creation.
BCIC won a Bronze Award in the Entrepreneurship category for the eBridge Center, which, once in operation, will serve as an entrepreneurial resource center and start-up business incubator in the historic heart of downtown. It will provide all the basic resources entrepreneurs will need to launch their ventures, obtain capital, grow and reach new markets.
BCIC Board of Directors Chair Traci Wickett said the IEDC recognition proves “BCIC is a stellar organization.”
“Our BIG programs are changing the face of Brownsville’s downtown, and eBridge promises to transform the landscape of entrepreneurship in our community,” she said. “The board of directors is very proud that BCIC’s work has been recognized by IEDC.”
Cori Peña, BCIC president and CEO, said this makes the second consecutive year the organization was honored by IEDC.
“Last year we received a Gold Award for our StartUp Texas program,” she said. “This year, we are recognized for two more. BCIC strives to find revolutionary ways to continue moving economic development forward in our community. These awards are a team effort, and I could not be prouder of my entire team. We all have the same vision and that is to help our community reach its maximum potential.”
IEDC is the world’s largest nonprofit professional association for professional economic developers, and bestows awards for “exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects and programs” in 25 categories to organizations and individuals making a positive impact on communities.
IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said communities “need our profession now more than ever.”
This year’s awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future,” he said.
