Legacy Awards

The Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic Development Award

This award recognizes a Montana Economic Developer Association member in honor of Anthony J. Preite, a native Montana who devoted 50 years to local, state and federal development agencies in leadership roles, and is credited with significantly impacting Montana communities and her citizens.

This award is intended for a Montanan who has practiced economic development full-time who has significantly contributed to the profession, to the association, their economic development organization, and to the communities as a whole.

2024 Priete —AnnMarie Robinson, MT Department of Commerce
2023 Priete — Steve Arveschoug, Big Sky Economic Development
2020 Priete — Jim Atchison, Southeastern Montana Development Corporation
2019 Priete — Jim Davidson, Anaconda Local Development Corporation
2018 Priete — Karyl Tobel, MT Department of Commerce
2017 Priete — John Rogers, Montana Governor's Office of Economic Development
2016 Priete — Jim Smitham, Butte Local Development Corporation
2015 Priete — Billie Lee, BillieLee Project Consulting

The Bailey Award

The Bailey Award (affectionately referred to as the Barracuda Award) is for a female economic development professional that displays the tenacity and heart of our late colleague, Kathie Bailey. The professional deserving of this award is a powerful force – building connections between people and growing the community they serve. They know how to work hard and have fun doing it, they have belief in their service to others and lead with vision. They uphold the culture of Montana and work with great intentionality.

Community Leader Award

This award is for a community leader who comes alongside their area’s economic development organization to move the needle on the economic health of the community. This person is visionary & resilient, leading through controversy to affect positive change and/or lead a project to fruition. Please provide specific examples of instances where this nominee’s strong leadership influenced the outcome.

Legacy Awards

The Anthony J. Preite Champion of Economic Development Award

The Bailey Award

Community Leader Award

Impact Award