The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is Recognized in 2022 IEDC’s Annual Conference for Excellence in the Categories of Entrepreneurship and Neighborhood Development

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) was recognized for its remarkable work in the Downtown Brownsville Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Programs and the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization during the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma this week.

BCIC received a Silver Award in the category of Neighborhood Development for the BIG programs. BIG programs are reimbursable and stackable grants to provide financial support to commercial property owners and tenants to make quality exterior and interior improvements to activate vacant commercial buildings for new businesses and to support the expansion of existing business operations to create new jobs. By visibly enhancing the exterior and interior of the buildings, properties increase in value, maintain their marketability, support the diversification of the downtown experience, and demonstrate market confidence to revitalize our historic downtown.

BCIC received a Bronze Award in the category of Entrepreneurship for the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization project. Once opened, eBridge will be an entrepreneurial resource center and startup incubator in the heart of Historic Downtown Brownsville. This center is consolidating all the foundational resources necessary for entrepreneurs to start their ventures, obtain capital, scale, and reach new markets.

“This recognition from the International Economic Development Council is proof positive that BCIC is a stellar organization. Our BIG programs are changing the face of Brownsville’s downtown, and eBridge promises to transform the landscape of entrepreneurship in our community,” said BCIC Board Chair, Traci Wickett. “The Board of Directors is very proud that BCIC’s work has been recognized by IEDC,” she continued.

“BCIC is proud and honored to be recognized by IEDC for the second year in a row. Last year, we received a Gold Award for our StartUp Texas program. This year, we are recognized for two more,” said BCIC President/CEO, Cori Peña. “BCIC strives to find revolutionary ways to continue moving economic development forward in our community. These awards are a team effort, and I could not be prouder of my entire team. We all have the same vision and that is to help our community reach its maximum potential” continued Peña.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest nonprofit professional association for professional economic developers in the world, honors organizations for exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects, and programs. 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, & rural communities.

“Communities need our profession now more than ever. This year's awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future. The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day,” shared IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

“This year’s awards selection process was especially competitive. We are honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life,” added IEDC Awards Advisory Committee Chair Christina Winn.

Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world. IEDC received over 500 submissions from the United States and four additional countries around the world.