The Site Selectors Guild, the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants, announced the winners of its two award categories for exemplary economic development initiatives. The awards program, now in its fifth year, recognized the winners during the Guild’s Annual Conference, the world’s largest gathering of professional site selection consultants, in Orlando, FL, USA, from March 12-14.
The two 2025 award winners are:
- Projects with a Purpose: Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance | Baldwin County, AL, USA
- Community Innovation – Building a Better Business Climate: Oakland County Economic Development | Oakland County, MI, USA
“Congratulations to Oakland County Economic Development and Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance for their groundbreaking initiatives that exemplify innovation and community engagement. By fostering strong partnerships between education, industry and small businesses, these projects pave the way for sustainable economic growth and workforce development,” said Seth Martindale, Site Selectors Guild board chair and senior managing director at CBRE, Inc.
The Projects with a Purpose award honors individuals or organizations that have successfully implemented location selection projects that go beyond job creation to address social and/or environmental issues within a community. Recipients are helping to tackle the most challenging problems by reducing inequality or promoting a healthier environment.
The Community Innovation: Building a Better Business Climate award recognizes a unique initiative, public policy program or legislative action that was created and successfully implemented to support economic development and build a healthier environment for business on a local, state/province or national level.
Details on the winning economic development initiatives follow.
- Projects with a Purpose
Baldwin Preparatory Academy, Alabama’s first career-tech high school, opened in 2024 for approximately 800 students in grades 10-12. Developed by Baldwin County Public Schools in partnership with the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA), this $100 million facility offers 12 career pathways and simulates a real-world work environment. The academy’s innovative approach includes active industry involvement, providing funding and curriculum support. With strong community and business partnerships, the academy aims to address workforce challenges, foster economic growth, and prepare students for future careers.
- Community Innovation – Building a Better Business Climate
Oakland County’s Business Retention & Growth team launched a Tech Collaboration initiative in 2024, focusing on IT/Computer Services, Research, Engineering and Design, and Robotics Integrators. This initiative aimed at small business innovators to access industry leaders, education resources and workforce opportunities, such as the Edu2B networking events held at various universities and colleges. These events provided a platform for businesses to network and exchange ideas, whether it be through apprenticeship or workforce training. The initiative emphasizes ongoing engagement and expanding the network beyond existing services.
Learn more about the Guild Awards program at https://siteselectorsguild.com/guild-awards.
About the Site Selectors Guild
The Site Selectors Guild is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants. Guild members provide location strategy to corporations across the globe and for every industry, sector, and function. Founded in 2010, the Site Selectors Guild is dedicated to advancing the profession of international corporate site selection by promoting integrity, objectivity, and professional development. Members are peer-nominated, vetted, and must demonstrate significant professional location advisory experience. In 2024, Guild members facilitated the committed or announced creation of approximately 111,000 jobs and $141 billion in capital investment by corporate clients, which required location analysis across 90 countries. Guild membership is the highest standard in the site selection industry. For more information, visit siteselectorsguild.com or follow Site Selectors Guild on LinkedIn.
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