Nationally Recognized

The DCOA received numerous local, state, and national awards and recognitions for innovative programs and strategies again in 2022.

Recognized for the first time as the 8th Metro in the Nation by Site Selection Magazine, the DCOA set the standard of excellence for years to come.

In early 2022, the DCOA was also selected as only one of fourteen cities in the country to receive the prestigious Community Impact Award from Trade and Industry Development. This annual award recognizes and honors key projects around the country that promise through influential community impact to help shape the communities in which they are located, and in which they continue to develop and grow.

The DCOA also received two of the top economic development awards in the state of Texas from the Texas Economic Development Council. The Community Economic Development Award for Innovativeness was awarded, and the Exceptional Level of Professional Development and Commitment to Excellence was awarded for the third straight year.

The leadership of the DCOA was also recognized, as President and CEO Misty Mayo was named one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America. This award, given by Consultant Connect, recognizes economic developers across North America who were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

Area Development’s annual Gold Shovel Awards recognize states for their achievements in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities. The state of Texas selected ten projects to submit, and the DCOA’s Great Lakes Cheese project propelled Texas as an award winner.

Credentials and Certifications

The DCOA is committed to represent the Abilene Region across the country and being the best-educated team in the region.

In 2022, more than 16 certificates and credentials have been added to the DCOA Team from accredited organizations like International Economic Development Council and the Texas Economic Development Council.

These include Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development, Basic Economic Development Certifications, Economic Development Credit Analysis and Finance, and Economic Development Ethics.

Two DCOA team members graduated from Future Leaders Training Program through the Texas Economic Development Council, and all team members became certified in economic development through American Electric Power course for economic development.

Additionally, DCOA team and board members completed the Texas Public Funds Investment Act course through the University of Texas Center for Public Management and Government Treasurer’s Organization of Texas.

The entire DCOA team is committed to learning and