The David R. Echols Award is presented to the Economic Development Professional of the Year.  The award recognizes the exemplary performance and leadership of an Alabama economic developer at the local, regional, or state level.  The award recognizes the long-term professional career achievements of the candidate.

Criteria to be evaluated includes experience (a minimum of 10 years economic development experience in Alabama), training and education, service to EDAA and other professional organizations, service to economic development colleagues and peers, ethical conduct in dealing with others, a highly developed sense of professionalism, leadership and an abiding desire to advance the profession of economic development.

Non-professional criteria to be evaluated can include community participation, civic participation, religious/charitable/educational related activities, etc.

A committee consisting of 2 past recipients and representatives from the EDAA Board, the Alabama Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, and the Economic Development Association of Alabama.

Anyone or any organization interested in submitting a nominee for the David R Echols Award should complete the following nomination form and return it to:

info@edaa.org

The criteria is listed on the application and nominations will be accepted September 18 –  December 1.

Nomination Application:

Nomination Process:

Nominations can be put forward by any Economic Development Organization or   Authority, Municipality, governmental agency, or other appropriate entity (the nomination must be submitted by an EDAA member in good standing)

Nominations can be put forward by any EDAA member (in good standing}

Nominations can be put forward by any entity the Selection Committee deems appropriate

Nominating Criteria:

The David R. Echols Award recognizes the exemplary performance and leadership of an Alabama economic development professional.  The award recognizes the long-term professional career achievements of the candidate.

Criteria to be evaluated includes experience (a minimum of 10 years economic development experience in Alabama), training and education, service to EDAA and other professional organizations, service to professional peers and colleagues, ethical conduct in dealing with others, a highly developed sense of professionalism, leadership and an abiding desire to advance the profession of economic development.

Non-professional criteria to be evaluated may include non-economic development related community participation, civic participation, religious/charitable/educational related activities, etc.