CARBONDALE – Southern Illinois Now (SI Now) has received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The award was bestowed specifically for the organization’s work in the Regional Partnership category. The organization also received silver award of excellence recognition for its NOW! magazine in collaboration with Arthur Agency and Jackson Street Publications. Executive Director Deb Barnett will be acknowledged and honored on behalf of SI Now at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.

“SI Now is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its regional partnership model and NOW! magazine project. These awards highlight SI Now’s commitment to its communities and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents these awards to SI Now celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. “SI Now’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”

Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

“SI Now is thrilled to receive not just one, but two excellence awards from IEDC. The recognition of excellence in regional partnerships is a result of celebrating each other’s wins, committing to collaboration over competition, and working to be part of something bigger than our individual communities, counties, or businesses. The award for our NOW! magazine is recognition of the excellence with which we strive to share Southern Illinois’ collective story and our 17-county region’s tremendous assets,” said Deb Barnett, SI Now Executive Director.

“In a short time, SI Now has earned the respect of its peers throughout the Southern Illinois region and the State of Illinois. This broader recognition by the International Economic Development Council is an honor and a testimony to the organization’s commitment to excellence and to the region it serves,” said Woody Thorne, SI Now Board Chair.