Washington County EDC Wins International Award

We are pleased to announce the Hagerstown-Washington County, Maryland Economic Development Commission (EDC) has won an international award for the innovated "traveling billboards" designed by High Rock Studios. The project came on the heels of the WCEDC's website in 2008.

The following is an excerpt from the official press release.

(Reno, NV – October 6, 2009) Acknowledging the Hagerstown-Washington County, Maryland Economic Development Commission (EDC) for its exceptional promotional endeavor, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) will recognize the organization with an honorable mention at IEDC's Annual Conference, in Reno, Nevada, October 4th-7th. The EDC will be honored for this achievement during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 6th.

"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We tip our hats to the EDC for its superior work during these difficult times."

Competing in the award category of General Purpose Promotion by organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, the EDC's Crossroads of Successful Business trailer promotion submission made a notable impression. The EDC (www.hagerstownedc.org), Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) (www.choosemaryland.com), logistics carrier D.M. Bowman Inc. (www.dmbowman.com), and design firm High Rock Studios Inc.(www.highrockstudios.com), partnered to creatively and cost effectively market Hagerstown-Washington County as a successful business location.

The result of the collaborative effort is two 53-foot traveling billboards circling the U.S. on the sides of two D.M. Bowman tractor trailers. Both sides of the trailer display the EDC logo, website, and photographs illustrating the industry, business, education, and quality of life opportunities available there.