"Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve quality of life in every locality across the country," said Robin Roberts Krieger, IEDC chair. "As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With the award, we laud trendsetting organizations like Growth Dimensions for leading the charge."

Competing in the category of Sustainable and Green Development by organizations serving areas with populations under 50,000, Growth Dimensions was a clear standout. In 2006 Vandewalle and Associates, retained by Growth Dimensions, completed what is now known as the Flora Neighborhood Plan to encompass the land use plans for both the AgTech Initiative and the Tollway Station Point Project. Growth Dimensions' and its partners efforts were recognized with other award winning communities including Santa Fe, New Mexico, Boulder, Colorado and

"It's very rewarding to know economic development specialists and experts from the sustainable and green development field from around the world recognize the value of the work being done at the local level," stated Mark Williams, executive director of Growth Dimensions. "We just have to make sure we don't let up on our efforts."

Growth Dimensions in partnership with the City of Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois, Northern Illinois University, Illinois Technology Development Alliance in conjunction with the northern Illinois business community, embarked upon the AgTech Initiative of northern Illinois. The purpose of the AgTech Initiative is to establish the long-term support system for the commercialization and entrepreneur development of agricultural research into alternative industrial use products. Product sector focus areas include bio- energy, bio-based lubricants, bio-based chemicals, bio-based plastics and bio-based composites.

Tollway Station Point is a Transit-Oriented Development Plan created for the purpose of organizing land development along the I-90 corridor. The development plan calls for Planned Mixed Use Development, specifically, high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented development. The Transit Center will provide multiple transit options including commuter rail service linking Belvidere and Rockford to Chicago.

"Growth Dimensions and a dedicated group of volunteers have worked very hard to bring both of these initiatives to where they are today," said Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton. "Our community should be grateful for the work completed. Because of their efforts, our community is better positioned to compete in the 21st Century."

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.