The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation was recently recognized for its work in the Downtown Brownsville Business Improvement and Growth Programs and the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization during the International Economic Development Council annual conference in Oklahoma City, Okla.
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. The grants also 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. While supporting the diversification of the downtown experience, the BIG programs also demonstrate market confidence to revitalize downtown.
BCIC received a Bronze Award in the category of Entrepreneurship for the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization project. Upon opening, eBridge will be an entrepreneurial resource center and startup incubator in the heart of Historic Downtown Brownsville.
Continued Recognitions
“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 Chairwoman Traci Wickett. “The board of directors is very proud that BCIC’s work has been recognized by IEDC.”
“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.”
IEDC is the largest nonprofit professional association for professional economic developers in the world, honors organizations for exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects and programs. A total of 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities.
A diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world judge the awards. IEDC received more than 500 submissions from the United States and four additional countries.