South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) has received a Gold and Bronze award from the prestigious International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its initiatives to strengthen Greater Victoria’s economy. SIPP will be honoured at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, September 14-17. 

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards 2025 recognize leadership and innovation in economic development. SIPP’s two awards are:

• 2025 Gold Award, Special Purpose Website (pop. 200-500k) for Victoria Rising. Victoria Rising is a place-based business and talent attraction brand and platform created by SIPP with support from the DVBA, VIATEC and Global Affairs Canada, to define and celebrate Greater Victoria’s contemporary narrative as a vibrant metropolitan hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.
• 2025 Bronze Award, Economic Development Organization of the Year (pop. 200- 500k) for South Island Prosperity Partnership. This award recognizes SIPP’s unique collaborative model and its ability to align diverse partners around a shared vision of economic development. This is SIPP’s first time winning in this major global category. 

"South Island Prosperity Partnership is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Victoria Rising Project and accomplishments as an economic development organization,” says Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honoured to present this award to [SIPP] to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field. This award shines a spotlight on [SIPP’s] commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development.” 

“These awards are a testament to what Greater Victoria can achieve through regional collaboration and a unified vision for prosperity,” says Aaron Stone, CEO of SIPP. “We share this recognition with our members, including municipal partners, First Nations and leading business, academic and non-profit organizations. Each plays a vital role in telling Greater Victoria’s story and driving our region toward achieving our vast economic potential. This recognition for both our collaborative model and the Victoria Rising platform reinforces what we already know: Greater Victoria is a hub of innovation, creativity and boundless potential — and we’re just getting started.”

For further information, contact:
Kerry Slavens, Director, Public Relations and Engagement
C: 250-516-0152 E: kslavens@southislandprosperity.ca