HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin today announced that Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development received the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) 2015 Economic Development Silver Award for Responding to Globalization.

"It is an honor to receive this award recognizing our tireless efforts to assist businesses in creating good-paying Pennsylvania jobs through global business opportunities," said Sec. Davin. "It is important that we continue to help Pennsylvania businesses remain competitive by expanding globally and showcase opportunities for overseas businesses looking to relocate to the commonwealth.

IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognizes the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. 

Pennsylvania's Office of International Business Development (OIBD), housed under DCED, boasts the largest network of international offices of any state in the U.S. with a network of 26 international offices that cover more than 75 markets, supported by ten Regional Export Network partners located across Pennsylvania. The office also encourages foreign companies to invest and set up their U.S. operations in Pennsylvania.

Over the last four fiscal years, OIBD's Export Development program has helped its clients generate more than $3 billion in export sales and create or sustain more than 25,000 jobs. Additionally, OIBD's Investment program has worked with international companies to create more than 3,700 jobs and generate more than $475 million in capital investment for foreign direct investment projects in Pennsylvania.

IEDC's Responding to Globalization Award acknowledges economic development strategies and programs that seek to enable communities, businesses, and/or economic development organizations to better integrate into the global economy or to more resiliently respond to the challenges wrought by globalization. Strategies and programs may include elements of, but are not limited to, international strategies, the restructuring of economic development organizations, the use of the internet and networks for integrating globally, and assisting businesses to understand global sourcing and increase their global competitive position.

The award was presented Tuesday during the IEDC's Annual Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance accepted the award on behalf of DCED.

Earlier this year, OIBD was the recipient of the 2015 President's 'E Star' Award for Export Service, recognizing the exceptional contributions that Pennsylvania has made to increase American exports.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lyndsay Kensinger, DCED, 717-783-1132

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

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