Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) annually recognizes programs throughout the US and Canada for their work with business retention and expansion efforts. The awards process is competitive in nature, meaning organizations apply for consideration and a professional awards committee determines the deserving programs based on their experience and knowledge of the industry as well as the results of each project submitted.
As such, BREI is pleased to recognize four deserving economic development programs for outstanding work in supporting their communities through business retention and expansion programming in 2024. The following awards were recognized:
Outstanding Single Community With a Population Under 20,000
Kilgore Economic Development Corporation, Kilgore, Texas
Project: Equipping and Empowering Progress
Outstanding Single Community With a Population 20,000-50,000
Ohio State University & Ohio Sea Grant College Program, Perrysburg, Ohio
Project: Business Retention and Expansion Program
Outstanding Single Community With a Population Over 50,000
Halifax Partnership, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Project: Halifax Partnership Wildfire Disaster Response Outreach Program
Outstanding State / Province Award
Community Futures Mid-Sask, Outlook, Saskatchewan
Project: Destination Business Program
BREI additionally recognizes one awardee with its top award of the year, the Impact Award. The committee selects one applicant for this award due to the substantial impact that the project had in their community as well as the nature in which the project exemplifies the role of business retention and expansion efforts in support of local businesses.
The Impact Award for 2024 was presented to the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation in Kilgore, Texas.
All awardees will receive a recognition piece that may be displayed to the public demonstrating the good work of the program. BREI congratulates each awardee and is thankful for the positive work that has been accomplished over the past year.
Business Retention and Expansion International 