August 21, 2025
Village of Wheeling Receives Silver Award from International Economic Development Council
Wheeling, IL – The Village of Wheeling is proud to announce that its Choose Wheeling website (ChooseWheeling.com) has been recognized as a Silver Winner in the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards presented by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The award was received in the General Purpose Website category for communities with a population between 25,000 and 200,000. The Choose Wheeling platform was honored for its strategic design, engaging content, and effectiveness in promoting economic development and business attraction throughout Wheeling.
“This national recognition reflects the Village’s position as a leader in economic development,” said Len Becker, Economic Development Director for the Village of Wheeling. “The Choose Wheeling website is a cornerstone of our strategy—highlighting the Village’s strengths, connectivity, business resources, and quality of life. It continues to be a powerful tool in attracting investment, supporting businesses, and telling Wheeling’s story.”
“Those of us who live here are familiar with and proud of the many qualities that make Wheeling such a great place to live, visit, and do business,” said Wheeling Village President Pat Horcher. “Choose Wheeling provides us with a valuable tool for sharing those benefits with others, and we’re grateful that the IEDC has recognized this achievement.”
The award will be formally presented at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14–17.
“Naming the Village of Wheeling as a Silver Award winner shines a spotlight on the community’s dedication to economic vitality,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “The Choose Wheeling project showcases the Village’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening both its economy and quality of life. IEDC is honored to recognize Wheeling for this outstanding achievement.”
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. These honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
The Choose Wheeling website has become an essential platform for both business attraction and community engagement. By featuring success stories, site selection tools, and real-time development updates, the website makes it easier than ever for entrepreneurs, investors, and residents to connect with the Village and discover new opportunities.
For more information, visit www.choosewheeling.com and www.wheelingil.gov.
About the Village of Wheeling
Located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Wheeling is a diverse community known for its strong business climate, vibrant dining scene, and strategic location with unmatched regional connectivity. Through innovative planning and public-private partnerships, Wheeling continues to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for its residents and businesses.
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. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.