Press release
Athens Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) was recognized for Economic Excellence by the Texas Economic Development Council at their mid-year conference in Las Colinas on June 9, 2016. This is the first time AEDC has received this distinction, since the program’s inception in 2007.
The program was designed to continue strengthening the knowledge and skills of economic development professionals and volunteers throughout the state by recognizing Economic Development agencies that meet a desired threshold of professionalism. AEDC was one of 34 communities recognized.
“The board and staff of AEDC place a high value on professional development and accountability,” said Lisa Denton, Executive Director of AEDC. “To be recognized for our efforts by the largest state association in the US is quite an honor.”
Th AEDC was established in May 1989 after voters elected to permit the Corporation to receive a dedicated half-cent sales tax to fund the economic growth of Athens. These funds can be used to assist companies with infrastructure, relocation, training, and other needs.
In 2005, the Corporation became a Type B Corporation which provides for broader uses of the funds received.