DAEDF Receives 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the IEDC for Workforce Program

September 11, 2026

Duncan, Oklahoma – The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award recognizes the organization's work in the Talent Development and Retention category for its Workforce Support Program, which serves all of Stephens County. DAEDF will be honored at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28, where the organization will also be recognized as a newly Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).

"Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Workforce Support Program. This award shines a spotlight on Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation's commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "IEDC is honored to present this award to Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field."

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

DAEDF's Silver Award places it among a select group of honorees recognized this year. IEDC received applications spanning multiple countries and territories. That a county of fewer than 43,000 people earned recognition alongside far larger organizations and communities underscores DAEDF’s strength and reach.

Launched in 2022, the DAEDF Workforce Support Program is a cradle-to-career system designed to support workers at every stage of their journey, from the classroom to retirement. The program engages students as early as 7th grade through the annual CO₂ Car Race with Red River Technology Center and Teacher Industry Tours, builds a talent pipeline through Career Pathways internships that allow one in four local juniors and seniors to earn academic credit while working at area businesses, connects job seekers to local employment through the Stephens County Career Portal and quarterly job fairs, and helps new residents put down roots through Move Duncan, a $2,000 homebuyer relocation grant.

"This recognition reflects a truly collaborative effort; our public schools, Red River Technology Center, Cameron University, local employers, and our regional workforce board all played an essential role in building this system," said Lyle Roggow, President and CEO of DAEDF. "No single organization builds a cradle-to-career workforce pipeline alone. This award belongs to every partner who opened a classroom, hosted an intern, sponsored an event, or believed Stephens County's future workforce was worth investing in."

This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development

ABOUT DAEDF

The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) has led economic development efforts in Stephens County, Oklahoma, since 1954. As the successor to the Duncan Industrial Foundation, DAEDF works to recruit new businesses, support existing employers, and create quality jobs for area residents. For more information, visit www.ok-duncan.com or call 580.255.9675.

ABOUT IEDC

Based in Washington, D.C., the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.

# # #