Economic Development Department Awards & Recognitions

The El Paso County Economic Development Department is proud to lead the Pikes Peak region in the development and management of programs, projects, and initiatives that have been awarded and recognized on regional, state, and federal levels. Below is a highlight of the awards and recognitions received by the department.

2021 Community Champion

Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce

El Paso County’s Economic Development Department was the 2021 recipient of the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (SCWCC) Community Champion award. This award is in recognition of the tremendous work the Economic Development team has done, and continues to do, in supporting El Paso County’s local businesses.

In response to the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, El Paso County’s Economic Development designed and implemented four different relief fund programs to assist the community’s businesses and nonprofits in their economic recovery. These programs utilized funds received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and contributions to the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone (EZ) Business Relief Fund to provide tangible assistance to local businesses and nonprofits throughout the pandemic and towards economic recovery.

Economic Development, with the support of the El Paso Board of County Commissioners, and in partnership with Colorado Enterprise Fund, a nonprofit lender certified CDFI and nationally recognized SBA microlender, has worked tirelessly to ensure that each dollar benefitted as many struggling local businesses as possible.

Learn more about the recognition here.

2021 Achievement Award

National Association of Counties (NACo)

El Paso County’s Economic Development Department was nationally granted an Achievement Award by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for their project titled, “Response, Recovery, Resiliency: El Paso County Regional Business Relief Fund” in the category of Community and Economic Development. The awards granted honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Learn more about the award here.

2021 Single-Family Excellence Award

National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NAHLFA)

El Paso County Housing Authority (EPCHA) was awarded the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALFHA) Single-Family Excellence Award for their outstanding efforts related to the development of the Turnkey Plus Program.

Learn more about the Award here.

Certificate of Recognition

Americas Competitiveness Exchange

El Paso County’s Economic Development Department was nationally recognized for their partnership and involvement in the 2021 Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) Colorado, which was held in Colorado August 1-6, 2021.

ACE brought together more than 40 global leaders representing 11 countries and multiple international organizations to share economic development best practices and explore opportunities for partnerships.

The delegation explored more than 30 sites in the City and County of Denver, El Paso County, and Jefferson County, and featured sectors such as entrepreneurship, tourism, sports economy, bioscience, healthcare, cybersecurity, aviation, and defense.

Learn more about the recognition here.