Pasadena’s Economic Development Division Receives 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council

PASADENA, CA - The City of Pasadena Economic Development Division (EconDev) received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization's work in the paid advertising campaign category. Pasadena's EconDev division will be honored at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25-28.

"The City of Pasadena is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Deep Tech Create Futures, Not Fads campaign. This award shines a spotlight on Pasadena'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 this award to Pasadena's Economic Development Division to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field."

Each 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.

"We are honored to receive this IEDC award and grateful for our partnership with Echo Factory, a Pasadena-based marketing agency, that helped develop the creative assets for our Deep Tech Campaign. We know the incredible things happening here in Pasadena from companies developing technologies that could restore sight; building robotic arms for Mars exploration; to advancing quantum computing and solving some of the world's most complex challenges. This campaign gave us an opportunity to bring that work into the spotlight and share with the world what Pasadena's innovators are building right here at home," said David Klug, Economic Development Director for the City of Pasadena.

This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100^th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.

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About Pasadena Economic Development
The City of Pasadena's Economic Development division supports business growth and job creation across the region, with a focus on nurturing innovation and fostering collaboration within its business community. Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC): Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world's largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.