The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has once again earned recognition for its efforts to promote economic development.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented the chamber a silver-level award as part of the annual Excellence in Economic Development awards program.

With more than 5,000 members, the IEDC is the world’s largest organization serving economic development professionals.

“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,” said Kenny McDonald, chairman of the IEDC board of directors.

“We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing campaigns, projects and partnerships have measurably improved regional quality of life,” McDonald said.

The Grand Junction chamber won the award in the Innovation in Economic Development Week category for its efforts celebrating local leaders of economic development. In addition to proclamations from Mesa County and the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita, the observance this year included webinars presented by the Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade chambers.

Virtual celebrations focused on economic development, economic developers, why people should support economic development and how people can become champions of economic development.

The IEDC has recognized chamber campaigns for four consecutive years.

The IEDC received more than 500 award nominations, which were judged by a panel of economic and community developers.