GLI Entrepreneurial Initiatives Receive International Recognition
Louisville, Ky. (11/17/09) – Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce recently received national recognition for its comprehensive entrepreneurship initiatives by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). IEDC is the world’s largest economic development membership organization, promoting best practices in business attraction, retention and expansion.
GLI has been awarded an Honorable Mention for Entrepreneurship Program for organizations serving areas with populations exceeding 200,000. The IEDC highlighted GLI’s enterprise development division, ENTEPRISECORP, whose mission is to dramatically increase the number and quality of fast-growth companies headquartered in the Greater Louisville region.
“This recognition shows the importance of innovative, collaborative approaches to enterprise development,” said Mark Crane, executive director of ENTERPRISECORP and GLI’s senior vice president of enterprise development. “Our region’s focus on fast-growth companies is a critical component to creating new jobs, businesses and wealth. Especially in this challenging economic time, it is an honor for Louisville to be recognized for our commitment to enterprise growth.”
Serving a diverse portfolio ranging from technology start-ups to mature companies in traditional industries, the ENTEPRISECORP team helps entrepreneurs fund and run their companies. In addition to providing direct-to-client services, the team works to build and protect the entrepreneurial infrastructure of Greater Louisville.
ENTEPRISECORP advocates on behalf of the entrepreneurial community, publishes reports on the regional state of entrepreneurship and sources of funding, hosts events, and administers programs that garner exposure and funding for fast-growth businesses.
“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 Greater Louisville Inc. for its superior work during these difficult times.”
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC’s professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.
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About ENTEPRISECORP ENTERPRISECORP is the division of Greater Louisville Inc. that specializes in developing the region’s fast-growth entrepreneurial sector. In 2009, ENTERPRISECORP has helped more than 90 clients secure over $95 million in financing, and 7 clients have experienced over $300 million of liquidity. For more information, visit www.ENTERPRISECORP.com.
About Greater Louisville Inc.
The mission of Greater Louisville Inc. is to provide leadership on initiatives that impact the success of our members and contribute to the prosperity of our entire community. For more information, visit www.GreaterLouisville.com.
About International Economic Development Council The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC’s professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.
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Carmen Hickerson
Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications
Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce
614 West Main Street, Suite 6000 Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 502.625.0204 Fax: 502.625.0010
chickerson@GreaterLouisville.com
http://www.GreaterLouisville.com
