NETWORKS receives 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award

BLOUNTVILLE — NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership has been recognized with a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council or IEDC. The award is for a newly redesigned website. The award was presented in the Internet & New Media category for the 25,000 – 200,000 population group and recognizes innovative and impactful economic development marketing initiatives that support business attraction, workforce development and community engagement. NETWORKS will be honored during the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 25-28. "NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its updated website. This award shines a spotlight on NETWORKS' commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development," Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO, said in a NETWORKS news release. "IEDC is honored to present this award to NETWORKS to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field." The award-winning website serves as a comprehensive economic development platform designed to meet the needs of site selectors, business leaders, workforce talent and community stakeholders. Key features include an enhanced property search database showcasing available industrial and commercial sites; detailed community profiles highlighting demographics, workforce data, infrastructure and quality-of-life assets; interactive mapping tools; targeted content for business expansion and relocation prospects; and streamlined access to economic and workforce development resources. The redesigned site also offers improved navigation, mobile responsiveness and a modern user experience that makes it easier for prospective investors to evaluate opportunities throughout Sullivan and Hawkins counties and connect directly with local partners. The project was made possible by funding from the Tennessee ThreeStar Grant Program, which supports community and economic development initiatives across the state. Leveraging those resources, NETWORKS partnered with Golden Shovel Agency, a nationally recognized economic development communications firm, to create a modern, user-focused digital platform that better reflects the region's assets, opportunities and vision for growth. CEO SPEAKS "This recognition reflects our commitment to showcasing Northeast Tennessee as a premier destination for business investment and talent," NETWORKS CEO Clay Walker said in the release. "We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Tennessee ThreeStar Grant Program, which made this project possible, and for the expertise of Golden Shovel in helping us create a website that effectively tells our region's story. I also appreciate our staff, particularly Abby Mease, for their extraordinary work on the website redesign. This award affirms the importance of investing in innovative tools that strengthen our competitiveness and connect businesses, residents, and prospects with the opportunities available throughout our communities." Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that demonstrate excellence in advancing economic prosperity. The awards recognize projects that create measurable impact, strengthen communities and elevate the practice of economic development worldwide. In 2017, NETWORKS received an IEDC Gold Award for Excellence for its Community Quality of Life video, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting the region's assets, opportunities and quality of life through innovative storytelling and outreach efforts. This year's awards hold special significance as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary, recognizing initiatives that not only deliver results today but also help shape the future of the economic development profession. ABOUNT NETWORKS SULLIVAN PARTNERSHIP NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is the economic development organization serving the Northeast Tennessee communities of Sullivan County, including charter partners Bluff City, Bristol and Kingsport, as well as Hawkins County. NETWORKS works to attract new investment, support business expansion and promote long-term economic prosperity throughout the region. To learn more, visit www.networkstn.com.