Tomball EDC Honored at 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards

TOMBALL, TEXAS (September 16, 2025) – The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) received two gold and one bronze Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). TEDC staff was honored at the 2025 IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, Mich., September 14-17.

Gold was obtained in the Talent Development & Retention division in recognition of the TEDC Summer Youth Employment Program. The program was launched in 2024 to enhance career awareness and readiness for young adults in Tomball. The workforce development initiative provides paid summer employment opportunities in a variety of industries, giving hands-on experience and a taste of real world work environments. Twelve companies participated in the inaugural year. Its success led to twenty companies engaging in 2025. The TEDC Summer Youth Employment Program was previously recognized in June by the Texas Economic Development Council with the 2025 Workforce Excellence Award.

Gold was also awarded to the TEDC for its 2023-2024 Annual Report, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the organization by showcasing recent and historic economic development success in Tomball. This is the seventh time in the last eight years IEDC has recognized the TEDC Annual Report with an Excellence Award. 2025 marks the first time the gold award has been achieved for the Annual Report.

The TEDC is the only Texas economic development agency to earn a gold award in either the Annual Report or Talent Development & Retention category this year.

A bronze Excellence Award was presented to the TEDC in the Multimedia Promotion category. TEDC’s “Success Stories” video campaign was honored for the third consecutive year by the IEDC. The award-winning videos showcased a pair of Tomball businesses; Imperial Star Solar and Keep it Simple and Pink.

“These prestigious awards from the IEDC recognize the tremendous efforts of our community partners working with the dedicated TEDC team to deliver world-class projects and initiatives for Tomball,” said TEDC Executive Director Kelly Violette. “It is an honor to serve Tomball and to bring these awards home as recognition for a community that embraces economic development as a way to create jobs while maintaining quality of life and enhancing the local culture.”

The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program has 26 unique categories that highlight impactful programs, projects and people in the economic development field.

“This year's winners truly embody the spirit of innovation and excellence in economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC’s President and CEO. "Their outstanding efforts have not only enhanced their own communities but serve as a benchmark for impactful and sustainable economic development worldwide."