The Kansas Department of Commerce has received the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), recognizing its impactful Community Impact Tour. The honor was presented during the IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit from September 14 to 17.
The award was given in the Special Event category for initiatives with statewide reach. The tour, conducted by the agency’s Quality Places Division, spanned five days, covered over 2,100 miles, and included 26 stops across Kansas. Its purpose was to spotlight transformative local projects, engage community stakeholders, and celebrate progress during National Community Development Week.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland emphasized that the journey was more than logistical—it was an opportunity to connect directly with residents and organizations driving change. He noted that strategic state investments are generating new economic opportunities in both rural towns and urban centers.
Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, praised Kansas for setting a benchmark in economic development. He stated that the initiative reflects a deep commitment to community revitalization and showcases innovation in public engagement. The award, he added, recognizes leadership and tangible outcomes in advancing regional development.
Each year, IEDC honors programs and entities that demonstrate exceptional performance in economic development. The 2025 Gold Award underscores Kansas’s role in fostering inclusive growth and strengthening local economies through proactive outreach and strategic investment.
— news from Kansas Department of Commerce (.gov)
— News Original —
Commerce Receives IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Department of Commerce has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population. n nIEDC singled out the five-day, 26-stop, 2,100+ mile Community Impact Tour Commerce’s Quality Places Division took to highlight transformative projects across the state, engage with local stakeholders, and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week. n n“Our Community Impact Tour was more than a road trip. It was a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state’s strategic investments are helping spark new economic opportunities in small towns and larger cities alike, and we are honored that IEDC recognized this important work.” n nThe Quality Places Division within the agency was honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit on September 14-17. n n“The Kansas Department of Commerce is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Community Impact Tour initiative,” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said. “This award shines a spotlight on the state’s commitment to its communities and showcases the significant impact of economic development. And IEDC is honored to present this award to Commerce to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.” n nEach year, IEDC honors an array of entities, initiatives and programs that are consistently demonstrating excellence in the realm of economic development. Those honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.