International recognition honors OEV’s innovative approach to making local economic development accessible, engaging, and community-centered
The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has earned a Silver Award in the Digital Media category of the International Economic Development Council’s 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards for Economic Vitality Unplugged, OEV’s podcast highlighting the people, projects and industries powering the Tallahassee-Leon County economy. IEDC’s Digital Media category recognizes economic development marketing efforts delivered through podcasts and other forms of digital technology.
Produced by OEV and hosted by OEV Director Keith Bowers, Economic Vitality Unplugged features candid conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators working across advanced manufacturing, technology, commercial real estate, workforce development, and other sectors. Since debuting in May 2025, the series has served as both an educational resource and a storytelling platform, showcasing the people and partnerships driving the region’s economic momentum.
IEDC judges highlighted the podcast’s ability to accomplish those goals despite a limited production budget. One judge praised the series for helping “humanize economic development” by giving listeners an inside look at the work and the people driving the local economy. Judges also recognized the broad range of individuals featured throughout the series and the additional resources accompanying episodes that allow listeners to learn more about each guest and topic.
“This award reflects OEV’s commitment to communicating economic development in a way that is informative, approachable, and relevant to our community,” said Bowers. “Economic Vitality Unplugged creates space for entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, and community partners to tell the stories behind our region’s progress. I am proud of the OEV team and grateful to every guest who has shared their expertise, experience, and vision with our listeners.”
IEDC evaluates Digital Media entries based on their contribution to economic development, achievement of the project’s goals, creativity, accessibility, scalability, content quality, and effectiveness in engaging audiences. The Silver Award recognizes the podcast’s innovative use of digital storytelling to make economic development topics more understandable while elevating the local voices shaping Tallahassee-Leon County’s future.
This marks the 15th Excellence in Economic Development Award presented to OEV, building on recent IEDC recognition for the SoMo Walls project in the Real Estate Reuse & Development category, OEV as Economic Development Organization of the Year, and the SmartSteps Microloan Program in the Economic Equity & Inclusion category. OEV will be recognized alongside other award recipients during the 2026 IEDC Annual Conference, taking place Oct. 25-28 in New Orleans, La. The annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards showcases transformative projects and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to communities, regions, and the economic development profession.
Listeners can access Economic Vitality Unplugged through OEV’s podcast page and on major listening platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality was established in 2016 as the intergovernmental economic development agency representing the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. OEV advances key policy and program initiatives established by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors and the Intergovernmental Management Team to create and retain jobs, maximize the utilization of small business enterprises, and provide support to local businesses.
The International Economic Development Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic development professionals. Its members work across public, private, rural, urban, local, and international settings to create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve quality of life in their regions.
Tallahassee-Leon County continues to stand out as a community where great employers thrive. The 2026 Florida Trend ‘Best Companies to Work for in Florida’ rankings recognized 18 organizations with a Tallahassee presence, representing industries ranging from technology and financial services to engineering, legal, insurance, and professional services. Of those recognized, 13 are headquartered in Tallahassee, […]
As competition for high-value investment intensifies, successful economic development requires engaging with companies where strategic location decisions are being made. That is why the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) joined Florida’s official delegation to the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom—one of the world’s premier events for the aerospace, aviation, defense, and advanced […]