@AmwayCenter Wins Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council

Amway Center opened last year as part of a strategic partnership between government and business, received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Merit Award from the International Downtown Association (IDA).

The IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic-development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities. Amway Center was honored Sept. 20 in the public-private partnership category.

The City of Orlando also received an Excellence in Economic Development honor for its Pathways for Parramore initiative, which focuses on revitalization of Downtown Orlando’s Parramore Heritage community in five key areas: housing, public safety, business development, children and education and quality of life.

The IDA recognizes projects and developments in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa that show excellence in developing programs that recruit new businesses and sectors, improve retention efforts and/or create or enhance economic development efforts. Amway Center was honored Sept. 24 for economic and business development.

“The opening of Amway Center has stimulated economic development throughout Downtown, especially in the Church Street area,” said Thomas Chatmon, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Board (DDB). “We have seen a number of businesses open shop, and I think a lot of visitors are experiencing a new beat to the pulse of Downtown. Amway Center truly is a gem, and it’s only fitting that it is recognized for the positive impact it is having on the area.”