"Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve quality of life in every locality across the country," said Robin Roberts Krieger, IEDC chair. "As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With the award, we laud trendsetting organizations and municipalities like Akron for leading the charge."

Competing in the category of Business Retention and Expansion - Three-Year-Plus Programs by organizations serving areas with populations exceeding 200,000, Akron was a clear standout. In December 2007, Goodyear announced its commitment to keep its World Headquarters in Akron, retaining 2,900 jobs. Goodyear agreed to sell its current headquarters to a developer, IRG, in return for the building of a new World Headquarters, as well as a new North American Headquarters that Goodyear will lease from IRG. In an effort to secure the Goodyear commitment, The City of Akron and its public and private partners agreed to a $900 million undertaking referred to as the Goodyear Akron Riverwalk Project. The purpose of the project is to centralize Goodyear's Akron employees and create a campus-like atmosphere in order to attract and retain young talent. As part of the project, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. sought the developer and the public sector's help in revitalizing the neighborhood around their campus. The team collaborated on a plan to create a retail development to both serve the Goodyear employee needs, as well as to create a regional retail attraction. The project will enable Goodyear to achieve higher productivity and more efficiency. Keeping Goodyear in Akron provides the opportunity for approximately 9,500 new jobs, while securing the future of the City and strengthening the region.