HAMMRC Secures International Award and Recognition
At the Annual Convention of the International Economic Development Council in Denver, Heartland Advanced Medical Manufacturing Regional Cluster (HAMMRC) received a GOLD AWARD for its “Regional/Cross-Border Partnership” that impacted 25,000 – 200,000 residents.
“HAMMRC is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its’ project established in 2021 between the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Tahlequah, OK Regional Development Authority. This award highlights the Chamber’s and TRDA’s commitment to its’ community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to HAMMRC celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
"This exceptional project showcases remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. HAMMRC’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact in revitalizing communities and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
Here are a few quotes from the panel of judges who made the selection of winners:
“Great coordination and recognition that the region matters and that major cities should care about the success of the smaller communities as well.”
“I liked the amount of background research provided and that was undertaken by the organization.”
“A strength of the application was the collaboration between organizations to identify sites, prepare for development, and provide economic development education to community leaders.”
Member Organizations of HAMMRC are the City of Farmington, Arkansas; City of Lincoln, Arkansas; City of Stilwell, Oklahoma; the Cherokee Nation; Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce; and the Tahlequah Regional Development Authority.
(L to R) HAMMRC was represented in Denver by Mayor Jean Ann Wright of Stilwell, Oklahoma, Mark Goodman of the Fayetteville Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, Brian Hail of Cherokee Nation Health in Tahlequah Oklahoma and Chair of the HAMMRC Board of Directors, Wayne Mays of the Fayetteville Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, and Nathan Reed, President and CEO of the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce and Tahlequah Regional Development Authority.