InBIA Honors AEDC
Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Wins Triple Honors
The International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) proudly announces the winners of its most distinguished annual awards, celebrating the entrepreneurship support organizations (ESOs) making the greatest impact on local economies through innovation and business incubation.
This year’s top honors were presented at InBIA’s 39th annual International Conference on Business Incubation in Philadelphia, where entrepreneur support professionals from all over the globe connect to explore new strategies, best practices, and current trends through peer-led sessions and insights from keynote speakers. 10 awards are presented by InBIA at the end of each conference, which highlight outstanding work in both the technology and non-technology sectors.
The first category awarded is the Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) of the Year, with subcategories including Technology & Science, Mixed-Use, Sector-Focused, and Rural ESOs. AEDC received the ESO of the Year award in the Sector-Focused Manufacturing subcategory.
Dinah Adkins Awards Celebrate Two Standout Programs
The Dinah Adkins Awards, named in honor of a founding force in the business incubation industry, recognize the top-performing ESOs in Technology and Non-Technology categories. Dinah Adkins began her career in 1982 at the Ohio University Innovation Center and went on to lead InBIA (then NBIA) for over two decades, growing its global presence and deepening the field's impact.
Allentown Economic Development Corporation was awarded the 2025 Dinah Adkins Award for Non-Technology-Focused ESO! They joined the Technology-Focused award winner: the University of Florida, UF Innovate/Accelerate. Each winner receives a $500 award supported by the Dinah Adkins Fund.
Allentown Economic Development Corporation Receives InBIA’s Highest Honor
The Randall M. Whaley Award, InBIA’s highest level of recognition, is presented to one of the two Dinah Adkins winners annually. It honors the ESO that best represents overall excellence, sustainability, and innovation in entrepreneurship support.
InBIA’s most prestigious honor, given to the top Entrepreneur Support Organization, and selected by the awards judges, is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Randall M. Whaley. This InBIA award is sponsored by The Friends of University City Science Center of Philadelphia. Dr. Whaley was InBIA’s first board chairman and managed the University City Science Center for many years.
AEDC was honored to receive the Randall M. Whaley Award this year!
Executive Director Scott Unger, with Program Managers Brittany Butkowski and Marc Troutman were present at the annual InBIA conference in Philadelphia to accept the awards.
“These organizations are the backbone of entrepreneurial ecosystems and vital drivers of inclusive economic growth,” said Charles Ross, InBIA CEO. “We’re honored to recognize their achievements in the spirit of Dinah Adkins and Dr. Whaley.”
w: www.inbia.org.
Contact: Cynthia M. Marin
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Allentown Economic Development Corp.
O: 610.435.8890
E: info@allentownedc.com
https://www.allentownedc.com/