The Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has received two Bronze Level Awards in the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development program, presented by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The recognition was awarded in two categories: Magazine & Newsletter, for the publication “Border Insight: Laredo is on the Rise,” and Innovation in Economic Development Week, for the organization’s 2024 campaign.
The formal presentation will take place during the IEDC’s 2025 Annual Conference, scheduled for September 14–17 in Detroit, Michigan.
Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of IEDC, praised LEDC’s initiatives, stating: “The Laredo Economic Development Corporation is setting a benchmark in the field through its impactful publications and community engagement efforts. These awards highlight the organization’s dedication to regional growth and its innovative approach to economic advancement. IEDC is proud to honor LEDC for its leadership and transformative contributions.”
Each year, IEDC acknowledges organizations and programs that demonstrate outstanding performance in economic development. Honorees are recognized for driving initiatives that rejuvenate communities and elevate industry standards.
David A. Stedman, Sr., President and CEO of LEDC, said: “With over 11,000 economic development groups across the U.S., standing out nationally and internationally is a significant achievement. These awards reflect our team’s relentless effort to foster innovation and prosperity in Laredo. Our success is rooted in a skilled and passionate workforce, and I extend my deepest gratitude to every team member.
“Looking ahead, we remain focused on attracting new enterprises, supporting local entrepreneurs, and expanding opportunities for all residents. We also thank our Board of Directors, members, and community partners for their ongoing collaboration. Exciting progress lies ahead.”
Established on November 17, 1966, LEDC’s mission is to promote industrial and economic growth in Laredo and Webb County. Its vision centers on leadership, integrity, and regional vitality across the binational region of Los Dos Laredos.
LEDC achieved national distinction in 2000 by becoming the 17th Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in the U.S.—the first in Texas—and has maintained its accreditation through re-certifications in 2014, 2018, and 2022. It is one of only 83 accredited organizations nationwide.
In 2023, LEDC and its MileOne program earned Silver Awards at IEDC’s ceremony in Dallas for Innovation in Economic Development Week and Entrepreneurship, respectively.
Since 2011, LEDC has facilitated nearly $1.5 billion in capital investment, resulting in over 6,600 new jobs, the retention of more than 500 positions, and over $239 million in new business expansions.
These accomplishments underscore LEDC’s role in building a resilient economic foundation through strategic planning, infrastructure development, workforce training, and community engagement. The organization has helped position Laredo as an attractive destination for domestic and international investment.
As the city continues to expand, LEDC remains committed to empowering the local economy and ensuring long-term prosperity.
About IEDC: The International Economic Development Council is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing thousands of economic development professionals across public, private, urban, rural, and international sectors. Its members work to create jobs, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life through sustainable economic strategies. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org
— news from Laredo Morning Times
— News Original —
LEDC earns 2 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Level Awards
The Laredo Economic Development Corporation has been awarded two 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Bronze Level Awards from the International Economic Development Council. n nThese honors recognize the organization ‘s achievements in the Magazine & Newsletter category for its “Border Insight: Laredo is on the Rise” publication, as well as in Innovation in Economic Development Week for LEDC’s “Economic Development Week 2024.” n nAdvertisement n nArticle continues below this ad n nThe Laredo Economic Development Corporation will be formally recognized during the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference, to be held September 14-17th in Detroit, Michigan. n
“Laredo Economic Development Corporation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Border Insight: Laredo is on the Rise Magazine and Economic Development Week 2024 initiatives. These awards shine a spotlight on Laredo Economic Development Corporation’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present these awards to Laredo Economic Development Corporation to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.” n nEach year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. n nDavid A. Stedman, Sr., President & CEO said, “With more than 11,000 economic development organizations nationwide, including the LEDC, our team has worked diligently to set ourselves apart, both nationally and internationally, and their hard work has truly been rewarded. These accolades are a testament to our commitment to nurturing growth and innovation within our community. Acknowledging the challenges of earning these awards emphasizes our staff’s steadfast dedication to improving Laredo ‘s economic landscape. n nAdvertisement n nArticle continues below this ad n n”Our success stems from a diverse and talented team, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each member. Their unique skills and enthusiasm have been crucial to our collective accomplishments. As we look to the future, we are more determined than ever to attract new businesses, support local ventures and create opportunities for everyone. Together, we are shaping a brighter and more prosperous Laredo. The staff and I are profoundly thankful to our Board of Directors, members and community stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration on this journey. Exciting developments are on the horizon.” n nAbout the Laredo Economic Development Corporation n nMission: n nIncorporated on November 17, 1966, the mission of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation is to promote and foster the economic and industrial development of the Laredo and the Webb County region. n nAdvertisement n nArticle continues below this ad n nVision: n nThe Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is an organization defined by its visionary leadership, recognized for its integrity and contributions towards the economic development and vitality of Los Dos Laredos. n nThe Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) was first certified as the 17th Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in the nation, first in Texas, by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2000. The LEDC has maintained its international standing with its most recent re-certifications in 2014, 2018 and 2022, and is 1 of only 83 in the nation as an accredited economic development organization out of more than 11,000 in the country. n nIn addition, the LEDC and MileOne were nationally recognized in 2023 with 2 Silver Awards at IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Award ceremony in Dallas, Texas for its annual “Innovation in Economic Development Week” and “Entrepreneurship” (MileOne) programs, respectively. It is to say that these awards are not easy to obtain, the LEDC and MileOne staff have worked diligently to stand out at the national level. n nAdvertisement n nArticle continues below this ad n nSince 2011, the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has played a crucial role in enhancing the community ‘s economic landscape. It has successfully facilitated close to $1.5 billion in capital investments, leading to the creation of more than 6,600 new jobs, the retention of over 500 positions, and an increase of over $239 million in new expansions. n nThese achievements highlight the LEDC ‘s commitment to fostering economic growth and sustainability within the Laredo and Webb County region. The organization ‘s strategic initiatives have not only attracted new businesses but have also supported existing enterprises, ensuring a resilient economic infrastructure. n nThere’s no doubt the community ‘s transformation over the past decade is a testament to the power of strategic planning and collaborative effort, showcasing how targeted investments can lead to substantial economic benefits. Through these efforts, the LEDC has helped position Laredo as a vibrant hub for commerce and industry, drawing attention from national and international investors. The focus on infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and community engagement has created a thriving ecosystem. n nAs Laredo continues to grow, the LEDC remains committed to its mission of economic empowerment, striving to create a prosperous future for generations to come. n nAdvertisement n nArticle continues below this ad n nAbout the International Economic Development Council n nThe International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of 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 a 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 https://www.iedconline.org