Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Awards of Excellence and the election of three new members to its Board of Directors. The announcements were made during the organization’s Annual Meeting, where BRE professionals from across North America gathered to celebrate innovative projects, outstanding achievements, and leadership in business retention and expansion.
BREI members elected three highly respected economic development professionals to serve on the Board of Directors. Joining the board are Dr. Alan Barefield of Starkville, Mississippi; Jessica Bates of Lansing, Michigan; and Ruth Buchanan of Tampa, Florida. Each brings extensive experience in economic development, business retention and expansion, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Their election reflects BREI’s continued commitment to advancing best practices and strengthening the profession through experienced and diverse leadership.
The Outstanding Multi-Community/Regional Award (Population Under 50,000) was presented to the Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN) of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, for its innovative “Get Side-Tracked” initiative. The project transformed a regional trail system into a major economic development and tourism asset by engaging local governments, businesses, tourism organizations, and volunteers. The effort resulted in more than 40 participating businesses, new community amenities, expanded partnerships, and increased economic activity throughout the region.
The Outstanding Multi-Community/Regional Award (Population Over 100,000) was awarded to the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership for its project, “Connecting Germany to St. Louis Through Flight and BRE.” Through a collaborative business retention and expansion effort involving economic development agencies, workforce partners, utilities, and international trade organizations, the project supported the successful expansion of Carl Zeiss Meditec in the St. Louis region. The initiative resulted in 120 jobs retained, 40 new jobs created, a $25 million investment, and the expansion of advanced research and manufacturing facilities.
The Outstanding State/Province Award was presented to the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for “The Small Business Readiness Playbook: A Practical Guide for Mega-Event Preparation in Washington State.” Developed in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the statewide initiative provides practical tools, resources, and readiness strategies to help small businesses capitalize on opportunities associated with major international events. The Playbook has become a model for coordinated business preparedness, bringing together public, private, and community partners to strengthen economic resilience across Washington State.
In addition, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce received BREI’s prestigious Impact Award for the same project. Judges recognized the initiative for its statewide influence, innovative delivery model, practical implementation tools, and long-term impact on business readiness and economic development. The Playbook’s success demonstrates how business retention and expansion principles can be leveraged to create lasting benefits for communities well beyond a single event.
Outgoing BREI President Alia Abbas, BREP, recognized the dedication of members, volunteers, and partners who continue to advance the profession across North America. Incoming President Mike Howe, BREC, outlined his vision for the organization’s future, emphasizing professional development, innovation, and expanding the reach of business retention and expansion practices.
“Each of this year’s award-winning projects demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and proactive engagement with existing businesses,” said Howe. “The newly elected board members and award recipients represent the very best of our profession, and we look forward to building on their success as we continue strengthening communities and economies around the world.”
Business Retention & Expansion International is the leading professional association dedicated to supporting business retention and expansion practitioners through education, certification, networking, and the advancement of best practices. For more information, visit BREI.org.
About BREI
Business Retention & Expansion International (BREI) is a global network of professionals committed to helping communities retain, grow, and strengthen existing businesses. Through training, certification, research, and collaboration, BREI advances excellence in business retention and expansion and supports economic development practitioners throughout the world.
Business Retention and Expansion International 