North Carolina Railroad Company is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program. This award shines a spotlight on NCRR’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development.
North Carolina Railroad Company Receives 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council
IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor initiatives that demonstrate consistent, exemplary performance in the profession
Detroit, Mich., SEPT. 17, 2025 – North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation category that impacted approximately 1.2 million residents. NCRR representatives will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17.
“North Carolina Railroad Company is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program. This award shines a spotlight on NCRR’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to North Carolina Railroad Company to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”
Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.
“When disaster strikes, North Carolina communities need partners who understand the stakes, move quickly and bring practical solutions,” said Carl Warren, President and CEO, North Carolina Railroad Company. “We are proud to be that partner and appreciate the IEDC’s recognition of our work in recovery, resiliency and mitigation.”
The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program provided over $8.2 million within FEMA-designated disaster areas to Class II and Class III short lines, local rail-served industries in need of track infrastructure repairs and nonprofit Economic Development Organizations in need of operational support.
The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program is an investment in the long-term success of communities impacted by natural disasters and tragedies.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of 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 a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our 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 we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.