2025 Advocacy Award Nominations Due March 5th
Selected nominees will receive their award at Impact Day on April 10, 2025 at Heritage Hall, Lansing.
NEW! Advocate for Economic Development Advancement
New this year, the MEDA Advocacy Committee developed an award to recognize non-legislative advocates/champions of economic development at the local or state level. Year after year, we work with some incredible individuals who advance economic development and largely go unnoticed. MEDA seeks to recognize these individuals with this new award.
The recipient of this award is someone who has made an impact with demonstrated success in advocating for policies, programs, projects, or initiatives in economic development at the LOCAL or STATE level.
- This individual will have a proven track record of innovative approaches or ideas that have advanced economic development policies or projects.
- They have a dedication to community improvement, sustainability, and long term investment.
- They have produced tangible results and positive outcomes in community impact.
- They collaborate with diverse groups such as government, business, and the public to improve quality of life.
Nomination Forms (See Directions for Submitting on the Forms)
Submission
The MEDA Advocacy Committee will review and select the top individual. Submissions must be received by the close of business on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed/considered.
Legislative Economic Development Champion Award
Partnership with the State legislature is a key to successful economic development in Michigan. Support from these legislative leaders is crucial when proposed changes at the State level could have an impact on key programs or when you need support for a local project or initiative.
MEDA’s Advocacy Committee created, with support from the MEDA Board, an award to recognize legislators who show a passion for championing your work and being a partner in creating an environment for the growth of businesses and quality of life for our residents that is ripe with opportunities.
As a MEDA member, this is your opportunity to recognize a legislator that has a proven record of support for economic development in your district, your region, or the entire state.
Please nominate using the following criteria and guidelines (Your pick does not have to meet all five of the criteria.).:
In 2024, how has this legislative champion:
- Assisted with economic development efforts that affect the entire state?
- Assisted with local economic development projects?
- Championed support for funding related to economic development programs and services?
- Participated with their local economic development organization?
- Sponsored/Co-sponsored economic development legislation?
The MEDA Advocacy Committee will select a legislator from each category:
- Representative – Democrat
- Representative – Republican
- Senator – Democrat
- Senator – Republican
Nomination Form (See Directions for Submitting on the Forms)
Submission
Submissions must be received by the close of business on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed/considered.
Attend Impact Day
The 2025 Impact Day event will be April 10th, with a Legislative Reception and Lugnuts game the preceding night on April 9th.
Go to the Agenda Preview for sessions, speakers, and activities.
Go to the Event page for cost, location, and registration information.
Go to the Sponsor page to learn how you can support this event.