EDA Director Peggy Smith wins state award

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Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Peggy Smith is seen during an award ceremony at Yutaka in August 2010. Amanda Shavers-Davis
NAIDA President/CEO Tate Godfrey, left, presents Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Peggy Smith the North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA) President’s Award at a ceremony in Huntsville last week. CEDA/Special to The Times

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September 6, 2012

EDA Director Peggy Smith wins state award

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times The Cullman Times Thu Sep 06, 2012, 01:20 PM CDT

Local business and political leaders know Peggy Smith is good at her job. Now, the rest of the state has taken notice, as well.

After several years in the economic recruitment field, Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Peggy Smith received one of the highest industry honors this year, via the North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA) President’s Award.

The Cullman economic office has helped shepherd some major announcements over the past year alone, highlighted by a massive $109 million expansion by Topre America.

“I’m very honored to receive this prestigious award from the NAIDA, and it was a very special surprise to have all the staff, the mayor and city council, and many of our ID board members in attendance,” Smith said. “Economic development is never about one individual, and that’s especially true in Cullman, where you have an outstanding team of dedicated people working every day to keep Cullman at the top of the rankings. I’m so pleased to be a part of this outstanding team, along with our elected leaders who share a common vision for the future of Cullman.”

The award was announced at a ceremony in Huntsville last week. NAIDA President/CEO Tate Godfrey noted Smith is among the best in her field, adding she has become a trendsetter across the state in recent years.

“Peggy Smith is very deserving of this recognition. She is one of the most well-respected economic development professionals in Alabama. She has set a great example for others in our profession and has done a wonderful job of representing Cullman for many years,” he said. “Each community in North Alabama is blessed with competent, well-trained and experienced economic development professionals. This award, presented by the staff of NAIDA, is intended to recognize that professional who has gone the extra mile during the past year. The award is intended to be a small sign of appreciation for a job well done.”

Cullman City Council president pro-tem Jenny Folsom, who attended the awards ceremony with other city officials, said Smith and her team have done more for the local community than could ever be measured.

“Peggy is one of the most valuable assets we have in the city,” she said. “She has been doing economic development for a number of years, and though she’s quick to give the credit to her team, she is the one who leads that team. We are so proud to have her recognized by her peers, and the success we’ve had for a number of years is a testament to her.”

Industrial development board member Barry McGriff said he’s worked with Smith for decades, and believes she’s one of the best industrial recruiters in the state.

“Other communities have always looked at her as one of the best,” he said. “She has a good product to sell because of the community, and as a board we just try to support her and her staff as much as we possibly can. What they’ve accomplished, and the jobs created, is a huge credit to the entire community, but specifically to her. She does an amazing job.”

The North Alabama Industrial Development Association created the President’s Award to recognize economic development professionals who exemplify the highest standards of the profession. Winners are judged on categories includes community dedication, support of regional development, and creativity to bring projects to fruition.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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EDA Director Peggy Smith wins state award

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