August 21, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario  – Invest Ottawa is proud to announce that it has received four Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest membership organization for economic developers with more than 5,000 members globally. 

This marks the first time Invest Ottawa has participated in this prestigious awards program, making the achievement especially significant. The recognition celebrates strategic marketing, talent attraction, and investment promotion initiatives that position Ottawa as a globally competitive tech hub and a destination of choice for business expansion and top-tier talent.  

IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honour the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate consistent, exemplary performance in the profession. 

Jens-Michael Schaal, Vice President of Global Expansion at Invest Ottawa, will accept the awards on behalf of the organization at the IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, taking place September 14–17, 2025. 

“Invest Ottawa is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Global Expansion and Global Talent programs. This award shines a spotlight on Invest Ottawa’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honoured to present this award to Invest Ottawa to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”  

Each year, IEDC honours economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. 

These awards are a tribute to the incredible companies we are privileged to serve — the visionary founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are building in Ottawa, fueling our economy, and creating solutions with global impact,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “Their success is our inspiration. It is powered by the creativity of our Invest Ottawa team, the strength of our partners, and the spirit of collaboration that defines our community. To be recognized by IEDC alongside top economic development organizations worldwide reinforces Ottawa’s position as a thriving global tech hub — and our unwavering commitment to helping companies, talent, and communities grow and succeed on the world stage.

About This Year’s Award-Winning Projects 

1. Global Runway Brochure – Category: Print Brochure

This multilingual marketing asset introduces Invest Ottawa’s Global Runway soft-landing program, guiding international companies through the process of expanding to North America via Ottawa. It is a key tool used in trade missions and foreign direct investment (FDI) outreach. 

2. Why Ottawa Factsheet – Category: Print Promotion

A visually rich, four-page factsheet consolidating Ottawa’s most compelling business, technology, and talent statistics. Used in investor meetings, trade events, and global marketing campaigns, it showcases Ottawa’s strengths as a world-class tech ecosystem. 

3. Global Talent Attraction Paid LinkedIn Campaign – Category: Paid Advertising Campaign

A high-impact, three-month pilot campaign that generated over 1,100 high-quality global talent leads, reached 500,000+ impressions, and delivered an exceptional return on investment by connecting Ottawa’s multinational tech employers with global talent. 

“10 Ottawa Companies Hiring” Blog Series – Category: Digital Media

Running since 2021, this monthly series is Invest Ottawa’s longest-standing digital content initiative, highlighting real job openings in Ottawa’s tech sector. The series has become a trusted resource for skilled professionals worldwide seeking opportunities in the city. Read the latest 10 Companies Hiring blog here. 

Why Ottawa? 

Canada’s capital is a thriving technology and innovation hub, home to more than 1,800 knowledge-based companies and North America’s highest concentration of tech talent (tied with the SF Bay Area). Ranked as one of the most educated and affordable cities in North America, Ottawa offers businesses access to world-class research institutions, a collaborative ecosystem, and a gateway to both U.S. and global markets. With a high quality of life, a strong bilingual workforce, and a growing reputation as a leader in sectors such as aerospace & defence, cybersecurity, applied AI, telecommunications, and semiconductor, Ottawa is the ideal location for companies looking to innovate, expand, and compete on the world stage. https://www.whyottawa.ca  

About the International Economic Development Council  

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base.

From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.

Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.