The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) was honored as the first recipient of a new award for regional collaboration by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at its annual conference in Atlanta.

RTRP is the first recipient of the new IEDC award category, "Excellence in Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration," for organizations serving areas with populations exceeding 200,000.

IEDC made the announcement today (Oct. 21) during an awards ceremony, a highlight of its four-day conference.

"Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve the quality of life in every locality across the country," said IEDC Chair Robin Roberts Krieger. "As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With the award, we laud trend-setting organizations like the Research Triangle Regional Partnership for leading the charge."

RTRP was a clear standout in the regionalism and cross-border collaboration category for its regional competitiveness plan, IEDC said.

"Staying on Top: Winning the Job Wars of the Future" is a five-year, $5-million plan developed by RTRP, the public-private organization that promotes economic development for the 13-county Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, in partnership with chief executives of leading businesses and major research universities in the region.

The plan outlines 30 strategies to create 100,000 new jobs in targeted clusters and boost employment in all 13 counties in the region, both rural and urban.

Key to the success of the "Staying on Top" plan has been the strategic alignment and voluntarily collaboration of hundreds of public, private, academic and nonprofit organizations working with RTRP to implement the plan.

They include economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, workforce boards, nonprofits, universities and others whose participation is critical for economic growth.

Spring employment data reported 101,000 new jobs were created in the region during the first four years of the five-year plan.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners.

IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) is a public/private partnership that promotes economic development for the 13-county Research Triangle Region of North Carolina comprising Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren counties.

For more information, visit www.researchtriangle.org or call (919) 840-7372.