Pulaski County Earns International Gold Award for Excellence in Economic Development
PULASKI, VA. — Pulaski County has received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its ‘Vacancy to Vitality’ initiative. The County was recognized at the highest level in the Real Estate Development & Reuse category for communities with populations between 25,000 and 200,000.
Representatives from Pulaski County attended the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference and awards reception in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28, where economic development professionals from around the world gathered to celebrate outstanding projects and community achievements.
The award recognizes Pulaski County’s Vacancy to Vitality initiative, which brings together 11 redevelopment projects that transformed discontinued and former public-school properties back into productive community assets. From residential developments and office spaces, to an award winning ice cream and coffee shop, these projects demonstrate how creative reuse, strong partnerships and strategic investment can bring new life to existing buildings and create opportunities across the County.
“Pulaski County is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Vacancy to Vitality program. This award shines a spotlight on Pulaski County’s commitment to its
community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to Pulaski County to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.”
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 Pulaski County Board of Supervisor and Economic Development Authority have continued to prioritize the repurposing of these former public school facilities, and our Community Development Department and the County Administration Team have worked hard with numerous strategic partners to creatively find the highest and best reuse for all 11 of these
projects” stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator, Pulaski County. “With the quality,
quantity and speed in which the Vacancy to Vitality projects were achieved, it is no wonder Pulaski County has been honored with a 2026 Achievement Award by the Virginia Association of Counties as a statewide best practice, and now with IEDC’s highest international Gold Award.”
“Receiving the IEDC Gold Award for Vacancy to Vitality is an honor for Pulaski County and the partners who have helped bring these buildings back to life,” said John Crockett, Pulaski County’s Community Development Director. “These places truly mean something to people here. Buildings where generations once walked the halls as students are now places people call home. Others are welcoming businesses, supporting public services, and providing places for learning and gathering. Seeing those doors open again gives residents a reason to feel good about the future while preserving a connection to their past. This award recognizes work that allows buildings our community invested in generations ago, to keep serving the people who call it home today.”
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 Pulaski County
Located in the heart of Virginia’s New River Valley, Pulaski County is a vibrant community where outdoor adventure, rich history, and economic opportunity converge. Home to Claytor Lake, the New River, the New River Trail State Park, and a growing network of recreational amenities, Pulaski County offers residents and visitors an exceptional quality of life.
Conveniently situated along Interstate 81, the county is committed to fostering economic growth, supporting public safety, enhancing community well-being, and promoting tourism opportunities that encourage visitors to Experience More and Stay Longer. Learn more about Pulaski County government services at pulaskicounty.org and tourism opportunities at visitpulaskiva.org.
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.