Space Florida Vice President of Business Development Selected to Judge Prestigious IEDC Awards

McShea Joins International Leadership Team Effort

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (June 15, 2009) – Space Florida Vice President of Business Development Bernie McShea has been selected to participate as one of approximately 25 international executive judges in the 2009 “Excellence in Economic Development Awards,” sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This will be McShea’s first year judging the awards while serving as a senior executive at Space Florida.

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. There are a total of 28 awards that honor organizations and individuals around the globe for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. McShea will be the only judge from Florida.

“The IEDC Awards are significant to the economic development industry, and highlight the best of the best around the world,” noted McShea. “I’m pleased to have an opportunity to participate as a member of this distinguished review team. We have a unique opportunity to view the great work coming out of the global economic development community – work that will serve as best practices for our industry in the years to come.”

IEDC awards are presented in the following major categories: Promotion (overall use of marketing for economic development purposes), Internet and New Media (recognizing innovative use of these forms for economic development), Programs, Partnerships (recognizes significant partnerships formed to support economic development and the results achieved by working together), and Leadership (recognizing outstanding leaders in the public and private sectors). Three winners are selected for each category by population size (50,000 and under, populations between 50,000 and 200,000, and 200,000+). Winners will be recognized at IEDC’s Annual Conference in October.

In 2008, Florida received three significant awards through IEDC. Enterprise Florida’s “eflorida.com” website was the General Purpose Website category winner for areas with populations over 200,000. The City of Orlando was named the Venue Category Winner for its efforts to facilitate the $1.1B venues project, including a new performing arts center, events center (home to the Orlando Magic), and a renovated Citrus Bowl.

Workforce Florida was also named the overall winner of the “Partnerships with Educational Institutions” category for its work through the Employ Florida Banner Centers. Additional Honorable Mentions were presented to Florida organizations as well.

For more information about the IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards, visit www.iedconline.org.

About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida’s aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.