Presented at the 2025 Annual Conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming
Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) is proud to recognize exemplary efforts in economic development through its 2025 Awards of Excellence, presented during the organization’s annual conference in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Each year, BREI honors programs across the United States and Canada that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and results in business retention and expansion (BR&E) work. The awards process is competitive, with applicants submitting detailed project narratives that are reviewed and evaluated by a professional awards committee based on effectiveness, community impact, and alignment with BR&E best practices.
In 2025, BREI is pleased to honor four exceptional economic development organizations for their commitment to strengthening their communities through strategic and results-driven BR&E programming. The following awards were presented:
🏆 Outstanding Single Community (Population Under 20,000)
Kilgore Economic Development Corporation – KeepRite Refrigeration Expansion (Kilgore, TX)
Kilgore EDC spearheaded a $55 million expansion for KeepRite Refrigeration inside its Synergy Park, overcoming land constraints to retain and grow a key employer. By collaborating with regional partners and leveraging targeted incentives, the project secured 150 retained jobs and added 60 new positions, generating an estimated $122 million in salaries over a decade. A standout feature was the synergy with Kilgore College to tailor workforce development while repurposing a 70-acre tract for the new facility. This strategic move strengthened the region’s industrial base and became a replicable model for similar-sized communities.
🏆 Outstanding Multi-Community (Population Under 50,000)
Ohio State University & Ohio Sea Grant – Ottawa County, OH Business Retention & Expansion Program
The program fostered a collaborative framework across Ottawa County by combining economic development, academic expertise, and Sea Grant resources to support local small businesses. It implemented targeted consultation, data-driven strategies, and customized retention plans addressing each business’s challenges and opportunities. Through community engagement and shared services, they facilitated expansion or stabilization projects, sustaining regional economic resilience. The initiative increased capacity and served as a replicable model for vertically integrated retention programs in rural regions.
🏆 Outstanding Multi-Community (Population Over 100,000) & Impact Award
County of Grande Prairie – Grande Prairie, Alberta, BR&E Program
Grande Prairie’s county-wide program earned dual recognition for its comprehensive business outreach and measurable economic impact. The initiative applied coordinated surveying, retention strategies, and customized service delivery to existing businesses. It achieved significant financial and employment results, proven through analytics and stakeholder stories. Its replicability lies in its structured, scalable methodology, combining central coordination with localized follow-up that yielded enduring results.
🏆 Outstanding State / Province
Mississippi Development Authority – Project Expansion Vulcan (Jackson, MS)
The Mississippi Development Authority guided Vulcan’s expansion through integrated site selection, infrastructure investment, and municipal coordination. This strategic approach attracted new capital, safeguarded local jobs, and signaled growth potential beyond traditional industry. The project leveraged state incentives to accelerate timeline and ROI, showcasing Mississippi as a competitive economic partner. Its impactful outcome enhanced regional industrial diversity and employment.
🎓 BRE Professional Recognitions (BREP Certification)
- Tim Smith, BREP (2026–2028)
Tim Smith is an experienced economic development professional based in the Midwest, with a strong focus on rural community revitalization. He has led numerous BR&E programs centered on workforce retention and supply chain resiliency, and is known for his effective use of GIS tools in strategic planning. His recent work includes a multi-county initiative that engaged over 300 businesses and generated a 90% satisfaction rate. Tim is recognized for his practical leadership, data fluency, and long-term commitment to community-centered growth. - Deloise Tate, BREP (2025–2027)
Deloise Tate brings over 20 years of public-private sector experience in regional economic and community development. Her work is known for its strong emphasis on inclusive engagement, particularly in historically underserved communities. She has successfully implemented small business retention roundtables and launched entrepreneurial mentoring hubs in three counties. Deloise’s passion for equitable economic growth continues to shape her impact as a certified BREP professional. - Alia Abbas, BREP (2025–2027)
Alia Abbas is a Canadian economic development strategist with a specialization in multi-stakeholder collaboration and sustainability in BR&E planning. She has designed and managed retention surveys for diverse sectors, including energy, agri-food, and advanced manufacturing. Alia’s bilingual skills and cultural insight have enhanced her work across urban and rural regions alike, contributing to high-impact initiatives in Alberta and Ontario. Her BREP designation recognizes her ability to merge strategy, data, and empathy in service of long-term business success.
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