As you are probably aware, the 2013 Awards of Excellence are right around the corner. We are currently accepting applications for Colleges and Universities to submit their leading edge initiatives to UEDA where members will vote on the winner. All nominations are due by May 31, 2013 so be sure to get all of your materials ready and register today.
UEDA asked some of last year’s Awards of Excellence winners about their experience with the Awards. We talked to Max Summers, the Extension Transition Team Leader at the University of Missouri, and here is what he had to say about his university’s 2012 submission to the Awards and some words of encouragement for organizations considering submitting an application this year.
1. What aspects of your project, do you feel, made the difference in being selected as a finalist for the UEDA Awards of Excellence?
The project had elements that fit EDA’s Economic Development priorities such as: collaboration with local ED entities; local investment; sustainability; long-term and infrastructure-improving impact and; service to distressed areas.
2. What is your advice to other universities who are considering entering this year’s UEDA Awards of Excellence?
Try to combine those elements that are priorities for EDA with potential projects that your service areas have as priorities. Include solid plans for sustainability, local investments, and substantive help for distressed counties. Make sure to communicate the project and its impact in a clear and compelling way in your proposal.
3. What was your experience like at the UEDA Annual Summit and Awards Banquet when your university was a finalist?
Great! It was both exciting and satisfying to see our project recognized along with so many other excellent projects from other parts of the country.
4. What kind of promotional and press coverage has your university received since being a winner of the 2012 Awards?
We participated in a press conference focusing on the project which included our local and State politicians as well as the media. We are also getting interest from other potential partners to work with the project on other parts of the project.