Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma received three 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Choctaw Nation received a Gold Excellence award for Print Production, a Gold Excellence Award for Neighborhood Development, and a Bronze Excellence award for Special Event.
“Choctaw Nation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its economic development program. These awards shine a spotlight on Choctaw Nation’s commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO.
Each year, IEDC honors 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.
The Choctaw Nation received the Gold Excellence for Print Production award for its retail recruitment efforts that equip rural communities with professional, data-driven marketing materials designed to attract national and regional retailers.
“Our Grow Choctaw team created customized business recruitment materials, supporting 13 partner communities, as well as a booklet highlighting retail leakage, demographic, traffic and site data for the region, said Kreg Haney, senior manager, economic development. “Since the retail initiative launched, more than 60 retail locations have opened or committed in these communities, helping expand local sales tax bases.”
The Broken Bow downtown redevelopment plan received the Gold Excellence Award for Neighborhood Development. This award recognizes projects that stimulate neighborhood-scale development or revitalization to foster business, residential, civic or cultural activity. Led through a public-private partnership involving the City of Broken Bow, Broken Bow Economic Development Authority, and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the project included the acquisition and demolition of 11 deteriorated buildings, creation of eight new commercial development sites, infrastructure and streetscape improvements, an amphitheater, and a 120-space parking lot.
“The Broken Bow redevelopment plan transformed a blighted and unsafe downtown corridor into a vibrant mixed-use district supporting business, tourism and community life,” said Haney. “Nearly all of the new development parcels sold within one year, helping attract new restaurants, retail, hospitality and locally owned businesses.”
The 2025 Grow Choctaw/Select Oklahoma Technical Summit was selected for the Bronze Excellence Award for Special Event, which recognizes one-time events designed to develop prospects or advance a specific economic development cause or community interest. The Technical Summit was a one-day professional development and knowledge-sharing event focused on strengthening economic development readiness across southeastern Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation reservation. The Choctaw Nation hosted the event in collaboration with Select Oklahoma.
This year's awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC): Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that represents the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, non-profits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and a variety of other organizations.
IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field. IEDC provides professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with nearly 230,000 tribal members and 13,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 14,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.
