Award Nomination Forms
Professional of the Year Award
The Fred H. Harris Professional of the Year Award is presented annually to a member of the Tennessee Economic Development Council for outstanding achievement in economic development. It is given in recognition of the contributions the recipient has made to his or her own community as well as to the State of Tennessee. Given in Honor of Fred Harris, nationally recognized economic development professional. Read more on the history of the Professional of the Year Award.
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year Award will be granted to individuals who give of their time and talent to further the economic progress of our state. Their activities and accomplishments in the field of industrial and economic development extend far beyond those necessary to satisfy the requirements of the vocation for which they are compensated.
The award recipient will be honored at the TEDC Annual Fall Conference. The Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year Award is given in memory of our good friend, Jim Spradley. Read more on the history of the Volunteer of the Year Award.
To Nominate someone for the Jim Spradley Volunteer of the Year Award, please download and fill out the form, then email it to Suzie Lusk.
Young Professional of the Year Award
The TEDC Young Professional of the Year Award is a new award, established in 2025. This award is presented annually to recognize an outstanding young professional who has demonstrated exceptional promise, leadership, and contributions to economic development within the state of Tennessee. This award highlights the achievements of an emerging leader who has shown initiative, innovation, and dedication in advancing economic development efforts in their community and beyond.
To Nominate someone for the Young Professional of the Year Award, please download and fill out the form, then email it to Suzie Lusk.
Honorary Life Membership
To qualify, you must have been an active member of the council for 20 years, and should have served as an office or a director, made a significant contribution to economic development within the State of Tennessee and reached the age of 60 years. Nominations should be forwarded to the TEDC Board of Directors.
The Legacy Award
First given in 2012, recognizes those in the state economic development community who have had an extraordinary impact on the profession and the community in which they worked. This award is not given annually but is instead offered as a special recognition for individuals who are highly respected, active in economic development and have been a TEDC member for at least 10 years. Recipients will be nominated by the TEDC Board of Directors.
