Each year, CoreNet Global recognizes economic development organizations for their innovations, strategies and leadership by presenting the annual Economic Development Leadership Awards, regardless of the size or location of the EDC's.

Global Advantage - Leading Economic Growth Through International Alliances
University of Arizona

Global Advantage is an international network of regions working collaboratively to develop knowledge-based global economies. The network consists of links between industry, universities, research parks and institutions, capital networks and economic development organizations. By creating long-term sustainable economic impacts in participating regions, Global Advantage partners create a competitive advantage over similar regions as they develop international partnerships. Founding members are Tucson, Arizona; Ottawa, Canada; Berlin, Germany; and Manchester, England. The program objective is to promote internationalization leading to economic growth in high tech sectors. For companies expanding into international markets, Global Advantage partners provide a "soft landing" system that includes: trade and export promotion, local market intelligence, location services, university connections, technology transfer, incubation programs and professional services.

Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (HSC) is the world's leading producer of polycrystalline silicon, the raw material in 1/3 of all electronic devices and the limiting factor in the photovoltaic industry due to the huge growth in solar. In December, 2005, HSC announced a $500m expansion at its site in Thomas Township, Michigan. The company also launched a global site search for a $1 billion expansion and it appeared that the company was destined to invest in a site other than its headquarters. Saginaw Future lead a team including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Public Service Commission, Department of Transportation, City of Saginaw & Thomas Township to successfully land the $1 Billion deal announced in May, 2007.

Kudos to our group of seven senior-level corporate real estate and economic development executives who reviewed a record 31 nominations.

• Holly Wiedman, Miami-Dade Beacon Council
• Dan Boutross, Bank of America
• Blain Trendler, Intel Corp.
• Sanjiv Awasthi, Fidelity Investments