Nine local businesses were celebrated at this year’s Richardson EDGE awards at the 35th annual event, Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Holiday Inn Richardson.
EDGE is the economic development growth and expansion initiative of the Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP). Each year, REDP, the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the Richardson Rotary Clubs recognize Richardson companies and organizations that have achieved extraordinary success and/or made a significant investment in Richardson. The awards luncheon event is held in conjunction with the two Rotary clubs of Richardson: Richardson Rotary and Richardson East.
“EDGE is an acronym for Economic Development, Growth & Expansion,” said Chamber President and CEO Bill Sproull. “The Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the City of Richardson have been recognizing companies with EDGE awards for 35 years as a way of thanking them for their contributions to the local economy. When companies make an investment in our community, and they are successful, we all benefit. We want these businesses to know how much we appreciate the impact they have on our city.”
For videos on each of the recipients, visit the Richardson Economic Development Partnership YouTube channel.
This year’s recipients are: Commercial Real Estate Project-- Richardson Restaurant Park developed by (Kirk) Hermansen Land Development Company; Community Involvement Award--Pampillonia Jewelers; Entrepreneurship Award-- Armor Defense Inc.; Environmental Award--State Farm Insurance; International Business Award-- Genpact; Newcomer Business Award—RealPage Inc.; Public/Non-Profit/Educational Award--Richardson Adult Literacy Center; Redevelopment Award--Barry Waranch and Keith Koop for Campbell Way Center; and Richardson Loyalty Award--NICE.
TheCommercial Real Estate Project award is presented to a Richardson real estate project in office, industrial, retail, Transit Oriented Development, or mixed-use development. The project must demonstrate a positive, new vitality for the city and have a strong impact on Richardson’s commercial real estate sector.Richardson Restaurant Park was developed by Hermanson Land Development Company. (Founder and President Kirk Hermansen)
TheCommunity Involvement Award is presented to a business which has consistently contributed financial resources and personal time to Richardson-specific charitable, educational, civic and social organizations and their causes.Pampillonia Jewelers. (owner, Anthony Pampillonia)
TheEntrepreneurship Award is presented to a Richardson company or individual who has contributed significant time or resources to entrepreneurial activities and entrepreneurship in Richardson.Armor Defense successfully obtained an 89-million-dollar equity investment to grow their business. (Founder and CEO Chris Drake).
TheEnvironmental Award is presented to a business or organization for sustainable, green initiatives and/or products which are effective, innovative and/or can be replicated.State Farm Insurance attained a GOLD LEED Certification for CityLine.
TheInternational Business Award is given to a foreign-owned or ethnic business in Richardson which has given significant support and/or provided significant economic investments in the community or in job creation.Genpact created Richardson jobs through a major expansion project.
TheNewcomer Business Award is given to a business that has located in Richardson since Jan. 1, 2016 and has had a significant impact on the community either through economic investments, community visibility and support, or other unique contributions. RealPage, Inc brought 2200 jobs to Richardson since they relocated in 2016.
ThePublic/Non-Profit/Educational Award is presented to a public sector or non-profit entity, or an educational institution. The organization must have made an impact and provided distinguished service to the businesses and citizens of Richardson as evidenced by a recent achievement or milestone. The Richardson Adult Literacy Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing English as a second language instruction to adults who live or work in Richardson or Richardson ISD. (RALC Executive Director Katie Patterson).
TheRichardson Redevelopment Award is presented to a developer, property or business owner who redevelops their property, adds significant value, improves the use of the space or site, and enhances both the taxable value of the property and the quality of life in Richardson.Campbell Way is a retail site on the northwest corner of Campbell Road and US 75. (Barry Waranch and Keith Koop).
TheRichardson Loyalty Award is given to a Richardson business who has a minimum of ten years’ longevity in our city, or has renewed its commitment to a Richardson presence when there was a choice to move. NICE
To find out more about the awards, please visit www.richardsonchamber.com/edge
The Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP) is a joint effort of the City of Richardson and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce dedicated to building a vibrant and thriving local economy by attracting new investment and jobs through recruitment of new companies, working with existing employers, and growing our own. Find out more at www.telecomcorridor.com.
Photos are courtesy of Chamber member a Perfect Foto.
About Richardson Chamber of Commerce
The Richardson Chamber of Commerce (RCC) is North Texas’ premier chamber of commerce and serves as the voice of the local Richardson business community, focused on driving business success. Accredited as a 5-star chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the RCC is in the top 1 percent of chambers in the nation, recognizing high quality, expertise and strong leadership. The Chamber serves 600 active members and is closely aligned with its local sister organization, the Metroplex Technology Business Council. Learn more at www.richardsonchamber.com.