Ann Arbor SPARK Wins International, State Marketing Awards

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Oct. 6, 2016 - PRLog -- Ann Arbor SPARK was recently honored by both the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA). IEDC awarded Ann Arbor SPARK for special events marketing of Tech Trek and was awarded from MEDA for best overall marketing strategy.

"This region offers so much from a marketing perspective including the opportunity to expose growing companies to Ann Arbor USA - Startup City and home to leading global brands," said Donna Doleman, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president, operations and communications. "We are honored to win these awards but are humbled to be in this category with other regions showcasing their regions in such innovative and creative ways."

Explaining the awards, Doleman said, "Tech Trek is a terrific example of thinking outside the box in terms of marketing. It's a way we can spotlight the innovation happening in downtown Ann Arbor and create buzz around the tech corridor that's thriving in our community."

IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The awards process is thorough, non-biased, and multi-layered. Winners are recognized at IEDC's Annual Conference each year.

Each year, MEDA sponsors a competition of local economic development marketing strategies to provide an opportunity for Michigan's economic development organizations to have professional marketing firms independently review their marketing strategies and give MEDA members a chance to review materials from other practitioners around the state.

For both awards, Ann Arbor SPARK was evaluated against competitors using industry standard metrics and measurements, and also received written feedback from a panel of marketing experts.

This is the third year Ann Arbor SPARK's marketing communications strategies and results have been awarded by IEDC, and the fourth year by MEDA.

For an image of the Ann Arbor SPARK marketing team, please visit http://www.annarborusa.org/sites/default/files/medaawardphot.jpeg.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County /Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.