The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority was recognized last night as one of the top 25 digital economic development organizations in North America at the 2017 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference. The annual Digital 25 reflects those organizations that best use digital technology to differentiate their communities online, and to better serve businesses.
 
The recognition comes from Community Systems, a company that develops websites and software to foster economic growth and tourism in communities across the world. The Digital 25 recognition is based on results from an annual survey of over 400 EDOs, analyzing how they use digital technology to drive growth and support community businesses.
 
“We’re thrilled to be recognized at IEDC as a digital leader in the economic development industry,” said Andrea Schruijer, executive director of Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority “Embracing digital technology has helped our organization save time, better serve businesses and create a better digital portal into our community.”
 
Results of the survey can be found in a new Community Systems white paper: How Leading EDO’s are Using Technology to Save Time and Generate Impact. It shares candid answers from EDOs about how they use technology and their thoughts on the future of the industry.
 
“We’re pleased to recognize these 25 leaders in the economic development community,” said Ben Wright, CEO of Community Systems. “These are some of the most successful EDOs in North America and we believe that’s a direct result of how they embrace and use digital technology to help businesses and community members.”
 
In July and August 2017, Community Systems surveyed 436 economic development practitioners about the importance they place on digital technologies, which technologies they’ve adopted, budget for technology as well as their overall attitudes about technology. Results showed how data driven technology is implementing positive change throughout the economic development community. To access the white paper and survey results, visit: http://community.communitysys.com/community-systems-2017-survey-white-paper.