Office of Economic Vitality Internationally Recognized for Strategic Redevelopment and Economic Equity
August 29, 2025
The Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has earned two international awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), spotlighting Tallahassee-Leon County as a leader in inclusive and innovative economic growth.
“These awards are a testament to the power of intentional collaboration, creativity, and community-driven economic development,” said Keith Bowers, Director of the Office of Economic Vitality. “We are proud to see our efforts to foster equity, entrepreneurship, and place-making recognized on an international stage.”
OEV was honored with a Gold Award in Real Estate Reuse & Development for SoMo Walls, a transformative redevelopment project located in the South Monroe corridor. SoMo Walls reimagined an underutilized property into a vibrant, mixed-use destination for art, business, and community gatherings, spurring economic growth, attracting private investment, and enhancing the cultural fabric of the area.
OEV provided over $1.75 million in gap funding to complete the project and worked closely with the project team to reach economic impact objectives. As a result, the project exceeded the anticipated goals with:
- 47 permanent jobs
- Nearly $1.8 million in annual income and
- $6 million in ongoing economic
- A 35% inclusion goal for Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE), fostering diversity and equity within its development Certified firms earned $1.7 million throughout the project.
In addition to this honor from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), SoMo Walls has earned widespread recognition, including the 2024 Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence, the 2022 Merit Award from the Tallahassee branch of the American Institute of Architects, and a feature in Florida/Caribbean Architect magazine.
“Across all of our small-business ecosystem and beyond, these recognitions prove that strategic public investment paired with private leadership delivers tangible results—jobs, opportunity, and momentum for our community,” said Leon County Commission Chairman and Blueprint IA Chair Brian Welch. “I am proud of OEV for their lasting work to grow and support local businesses.”
OEV also received a Bronze Award for Economic Equity & Inclusion for the Black Business Expo Tallahassee (BBET), which in 2025 saw a 22 percent increase in attendance, drawing 279 participants, 72 local businesses, 12 agencies, and 23 sponsors. The event generated 88 on-site vendor registrations with the City of Tallahassee and Leon County Procurement, awarded $16,000 in grants to fuel small business growth, and hosted the inaugural Direct-Connect networking event linking OEV-certified Minority Business Enterprises with prime contractors in the construction industry.
The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards honor the nation’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and influential leaders. The awards are judged by a panel of economic development experts, recognizing work that exemplifies innovation, impact, and inclusivity.
“These international recognitions highlight what makes Tallahassee so special – our citizens, our partnerships, and our shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive economy,” said Mayor of Tallahassee
John E. Dailey. “We are not just creating jobs and attracting investment; we are also nurturing a community where every resident and business can succeed. We look forward to continuing this vital work to ensure Tallahassee remains a leader in innovative and equitable growth.”
OEV’s continued commitment to inclusive prosperity and innovative redevelopment reflects its mission to ensure that Tallahassee-Leon County remains a thriving, equitable, and competitive community for all. For more information about OEV initiatives, visit www.OEVforBusiness.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are quotes from Tallahassee-Leon County business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Bugra Demirel, Owner of South Monroe (SoMo) Walls Project
“We would not have been able to fully realize our vision for SoMo Walls without the support of OEV. Their assistance came at a crucial time, when inflation and rising construction costs threatened the project’s future. From the start, this has been a community project, and it is an honor to accept this award on behalf of the entire community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who believed in and supported our vision along the way. This recognition affirms that the public investment in our project was not only vital, but also a wise policy choice—one that continues to deliver lasting value for Tallahassee.”
Vaughn Wilson, Owner of Mega Ace Media
“Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. We are proud to have partnered with OEV to bring a much- needed networking resource to small businesses in Tallahassee. Without the understanding of OEV and every one of our local business supporters, that a Black Business Expo was in fact needed in Tallahassee, we would not have attained this great honor. Mega Ace Media is proud to be a facilitator of the expo and are thrilled at its growth and sustainability.”
About the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV)
OEV was established in 2016 as the intergovernmental economic development agency representing the City of Tallahassee and Leon County. OEV advances the implementation of key policy and program initiatives set forth by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board of Directors (BPIA) and the Intergovernmental Management Team to create and retain jobs, maximize the utilization of minority and women-owned businesses, and provide local business support.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org today!
MEDIA CONTACT
Maegen Wynn
mwynn@oevforbusiness.org
(850) 300-7565
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