RAEDC Recognized as Top 25 Economic Development Organization in North America


Community Systems Digital 25 Awards Digital Leaders in Economic Development at IEDC 2017

Toronto, ON., September 18, 2017: Rockford Area Economic Development Council 

Digital 25 AwardThe Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) was recognized last night (September 17, 2017) as one of the top 25 digital economic development organizations (EDOs) in North America at the 2017 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. The annual Digital 25 reflects those organizations that best use digital technology to differentiate their communities online, and to better serve businesses.

The recognition comes from Community Systems, a company that develops websites and software to foster economic growth and tourism in communities across the world. The Digital 25 Award recognition is based on results from an annual survey of over 400 EDOs, analyzing how they use digital technology to drive growth and support community businesses.

“RAEDC is thrilled to be recognized at IEDC this year as a digital leader in the economic development industry,” said Jimsi Kuborn, Vice President of Investor Relations, RAEDC. “Our innovative use of marketing technologies has helped our organization be more effective in our mission to create opportunity for our region and differentiate our region in digital portals.”

Results of the survey can be found in a new Community Systems white paper: How Leading EDO’s are Using Technology to Save Time and Generate Impact. It shares candid answers from EDOs about how they use technology and their thoughts on the future of the industry.

“We’re pleased to recognize these 25 leaders in the economic development community,” said Ben Wright, CEO of Community Systems. “These are some of the most successful EDOs in North America and we believe that’s a direct result of how they embrace and use digital technology to help businesses and community members.”

In July and August 2017, Community Systems surveyed 436 economic development practitioners about the importance they place on digital technologies, which technologies they’ve adopted, budget for technology as well as their overall attitudes about technology. Results showed how data-driven technology is implementing positive change throughout the economic development community.

To access the white paper and survey results, visit: http://community.communitysys.com/community-systems-2017-survey-white-paper


About Community Systems

Community Systems provides websites and digital technology to the economic development and tourism industries, serving 280 communities globally. Its products like InSite GIS, LeadIQ and GoThereDoThat are digital tools that help community organizations establish a robust online presence, drive intelligent location decisions, create and market engaging content, and save time and money. Community Systems also provides educational tracks and certifications for economic development and tourism professionals through its DigitalEDU program. For more information, visit: www.communitysys.com.

ABOUT THE RAEDC
The role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) is to collaborate with regional stakeholders to cultivate opportunities for primary job growth that increase the economic well-being of our region. The RAEDC markets the region to attract new capital investment, while assisting existing business with resources for sustainable growth. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to improve the competitiveness of the region by taking what it learns from the region’s employers and engaging the community in the daily work of economic development. As the economic development organization for the region, the RAEDC also serves as the area’s data collection agency on all new capital investment, retained and created quality jobs, and renovated commercial/industrial space.

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For media inquiries:

Jimsi Kuborn
Rockford Area Economic Development Council
815.969.4259
jkuborn@rockfordil.com

Chris Morris
Community Systems
720.420.3800 x219
christopherm@communitysys.com