IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor economic development organizations, government entities, and initiatives that demonstrate exemplary performance
The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) has been honored with the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Level Award in the Post-Secondary Education Partnership category for its groundbreaking Project RECONNECT initiative.
Project RECONNECT was selected from a competitive field of international applicants for its comprehensive approach to helping students achieve their post-secondary educational goals while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
“We know that removing barriers to educational completion is one of the most effective investments we can make in our economic future,” said Mike Grigalonis, President & COO, Chester County Economic Development Council. “Project RECONNECT has helped over 100 individuals complete their degree or certificate, which serves to strengthen our entire regional economy with a skilled workforce our businesses need to thrive.”
“The Chester County Economic Development Council is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Project RECONNECT initiative. This award shines a spotlight on the Chester County Economic Development Council’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 the Chester County Economic Development Council to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Project RECONNECT provides targeted financial support and wraparound services to individuals who are within one year of completing a degree or certificate program but face barriers to graduation. The program addresses common obstacles that prevent students from finishing their education, including:
- Financial assistance for tuition gaps and educational expenses
- Childcare support to help parent-students maintain their studies
- Transportation assistance to ensure reliable access to classes and training
- Support for unpaid tuition balances that can block degree completion
- Additional wraparound services tailored to individual student needs
Building on this recognition, the CCEDC plans to expand Project RECONNECT’s reach and explore additional partnerships with regional employers to create direct pathways from program completion to employment. The CCEDC is also sharing its program model with other economic development organizations interested in implementing similar initiatives.
The IEDC Excellence Awards represent the highest honor in economic development, recognizing outstanding programs that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact, and replicable best practices. The award will be presented at the IEDC’s annual conference, where the Chester County Economic Development Council will have the opportunity to present Project RECONNECT as a case study for economic developers from around the world.
About the Chester County Economic Development Council
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization that has been promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. CCEDC provides financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, fosters entrepreneurial collaboration, and leverages strategic partnerships to strengthen the business community and improve quality of life. For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.
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