The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism (DOEDT) announced that the City of Danville has earned three Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). These awards honor innovative and impactful projects that aim to transform communities and regions across the world.

The City of Danville was recognized in the following categories: 

• Silver Award – Public Private Partnership category for Dan River Falls 
• Silver Award – Regional Partnership category for the Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit 
• Gold Award – Innovative Financing category for Dan River Falls

City Manager Ken Larking said that he is proud of everyone who played a part in revitalizing the formerly blighted White Mill property and the innovative approach to ensure our region has adequate housing for families at all income levels. “For over a decade, the White Mill was a symbol of Danville’s decline,” Larking said. “A project of the magnitude of Dan River Falls is only possible with the trust and support of City Council, the creative and innovative thinking of our staff, and the support of our regional, state, and federal partners. Dan River Falls now serves as a shining example of Danville’s resurgence.”

Larking said the award for the Regional Housing Summit demonstrates the team’s proactive and innovative approach to overcoming challenges. “When Economic Development Director Corrie Bobe learned that some of our larger industrial prospects had expressed concerns about the availability of housing in our area, she convened a group to take immediate action,” Larking said. “We now have several housing projects of varying types in every stage of development, thanks to her collaboration and work with regional partners.”

“These awards highlight Danville’s progressive and forward-thinking approach to economic development. By embracing innovative strategies and thinking outside the box, we have been able to implement projects and programs that are truly transformational, creating long-term opportunities that will positively impact our community for generations to come,” said Corrie T. Bobe, DOEDT Director. “I am especially honored that this international recognition underscores the collaborative spirit of our region. Through strong partnerships and by working together, we are proving that we can accomplish more than any one community could achieve alone.”

The City of Danville will be recognized at the 2025 IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan in September.