The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has received two international awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), highlighting Tallahassee-Leon County’s approach to economic growth and redevelopment.
“These awards are a testament to the power of intentional collaboration, creativity, and community-driven economic development,” said Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality. “We are proud to see our efforts to foster equity, entrepreneurship, and place-making recognized on an international stage.”
OEV was given a Gold Award in Real Estate Reuse & Development for its role in SoMo Walls, a redevelopment project located in the South Monroe corridor. The project transformed an underused property into a mixed-use space that supports art, business, and community activities. OEV contributed more than $1.75 million in gap funding and worked with the project team to meet economic goals.
SoMo Walls has also received other honors such as the 2024 Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence and recognition from professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects’ Tallahassee branch.
“Across all of our small-business ecosystem and beyond, these recognitions prove that strategic public investment paired with private leadership delivers tangible results—jobs, opportunity, and momentum for our community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman and Blueprint IA Chair Brian Welch. “I am proud of OEV for their lasting work to grow and support local businesses.”
OEV earned a Bronze Award for Economic Equity & Inclusion for organizing the Black Business ExpoTallahassee (BBET). In 2025, attendance at BBET grew by 22 percent with participation from 279 people, 72 local businesses, 12 agencies, and 23 sponsors. The event led to 88 vendor registrations with city and county procurement offices and awarded $16,000 in grants to small businesses. It also included a networking event connecting minority-owned enterprises with contractors.
The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize programs that show innovation, impact, and inclusivity within communities.
“These international recognitions highlight what makes Tallahassee so special – our citizens, our partnerships, and our shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive economy,” said Mayor of Tallahassee John E. Dailey. “We are not just creating jobs and attracting investment; we are also nurturing a community where every resident and business can succeed. We look forward to continuing this vital work to ensure Tallahassee remains a leader in innovative and equitable growth.”
OEV was established as an intergovernmental agency representing both city and county governments since 2016. Its mission includes supporting job creation initiatives as well as maximizing opportunities for minority- or women-owned businesses.
Bugra Demirel of South Monroe (SoMo) Walls Project stated: “We would not have been able to fully realize our vision for SoMo Walls without the support of OEV. Their assistance came at a crucial time, when inflation and rising construction costs threatened the project’s future. From the start, this has been a community project, and it is an honor to accept this award on behalf of the entire community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who believed in and supported our vision along the way. This recognition affirms that the public investment in our project was not only vital, but also a wise policy choice—one that continues to deliver lasting value for Tallahassee.”
Vaughn Wilson of Mega Ace Media added: “Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. We are proud to have partnered with OEV to bring a much-needed networking resource to small businesses in Tallahassee. Without the understanding of OEV and every one of our local business supporters, that a Black Business Expo was in fact needed in Tallahassee, we would not have attained this great honor. Mega Ace Media is proud to be a facilitator of the expo and are thrilled at its growth and sustainability.”
The International Economic Development Council is described as one of the largest organizations serving professionals working on economic growth projects across different sectors worldwide.
