The Amway Center, a state-of-the art sports and entertainment venue downtown Orlando, received an Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Merit Award from the International Downtown Association (IDA). Opened in the fall of 2010, the Amway Center was developed by the Orlando Magic as part of a strategic partnership between government and business.
“We are honored and humbled with this achievement,” said Orlando Magic President Alex Martins. “The facility was designed and is operated with the patron in mind first. The Amway Center is a true testament to what can be achieved with great partnerships and teamwork.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, reacting to the news of the Amway Center honors said, “A unique spirit of public-private cooperation set the stage for unprecedented development in Downtown Orlando, and Amway Center is only the beginning. We are grateful to the Orlando Magic for helping to bring Amway Center to fruition and for helping to revitalize a key area of Downtown Orlando. We are honored to be recognized for our collaborative efforts.”
The IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic-development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban and rural communities. Amway Center was honored Sept. 20 in the public-private partnership category.
The IDA recognizes projects and developments in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa that show excellence in developing programs that recruit new businesses and sectors, improve retention efforts and/or create or enhance economic development efforts. Amway Center was honored Sept. 24 for economic and business development.
