The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS) to support, enhance and expand the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) program.
Each year, IEDC will select eligible candidates from the Excellence in Economic Development Awards program to represent IEDC and their communities at the ACE high-level events in which they will be able to connect and explore partnerships with global influential economic development leaders across sectors.
Selected organizations will participate by sharing best practices, showcasing their achievements, and learning from prominent economic development pioneers from across the Americas and beyond. In addition,
IEDC will continue expanding our partnership with OAS to further develop innovative programming and strategies, promote economic resiliency and sustainability, as well as enhance opportunities for all.
“Together, IEDC and OAS will harness our collective strengths to achieve equity, sustainability, and economic prosperity throughout the Americas,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “This partnership enhances our ability to bring together businesses, governments, and communities to build vibrant economies. We are excited to join forces to create long-term, lasting change throughout the western hemisphere, improving lives and building international cooperation to foster equity and sustainable economic growth.”
The OAS brings together 35 countries from throughout the Americas and is the main regional forum to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development. The Americas Competitiveness Exchange is one of OAS’ core programs that focuses on economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the Americas.
Twice a year, top global leaders are selected to participate in a week-long program to:
- Visit communities and engage with innovation hubs, advanced technology centers, and other organizations;
- Build networks to enhance economic competitiveness;
- Promote sustainable and inclusive economic development; and
- Increase trade and investment opportunities.
“Partnering with IEDC to create a strong partnership will be foundational to furthering our shared mission to foster, build, and expand economic opportunities throughout the Americas,” Kim Osborne, OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development. “We can unlock the full potential of our allied organizations, governments, and communities to drive innovation and growth while forging new opportunities for all to thrive and prosper.”
About the Organization of American States
The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional and it brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 70 states, as well as to the European Union (EU). The Organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. The Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) is one of the Organization’s flagship programs recognized as the Premier Economic Development, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Network of the Americas.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.