Award: Crawford honored.

After just one year as Santa Clarita's economic development manager, Jason Crawford has received international recognition for his work.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has awarded Crawford the 2008 New Economic Developer of the Year Award.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement by a young, emerging leader in the economic development profession, according to IEDC. He will officially be presented with the award at the IEDC annual conference on Oct. 20 in Atlanta.

"This is the probably the most prestigious economic development organization on the globe," said Crawford, 33. "It counts members across the globe, so it's a huge award, a huge recognition and something that I'm excited about, shocked about and humbled by and very proud of,"

IEDC declined to speak to the Business Journal about the honor: it is the organization's policy not to discuss winners until the actual ceremony. However, it is known that a panel of economic development experts representing the public and private sectors selected Crawford.

Prior to becoming Santa Clarita's economic development manager, Crawford served as the economic development associate responsible for heading the city's film and tourism programs. The California Association of Local Economic Developers recognized both programs as the best in California.

"I think the successes we've been able to see here specifically in the film program and in the event tourism program are amazing. I think by being able to share the success that I had in leadership of those two things that's how they decided to give me the award," Crawford said.

Larry Mankin, president of Santa Clarita Valley's Chamber of Commerce, noted that, while Crawford has a particular affinity for film and tourism, his interests expand beyond those industries. The two work together to develop packages and letters of support for businesses.

"He loves film and tourism, but he's also very good at working with individual companies in both the retention and attraction capacity," said Mankin, who wrote a letter on Crawford's behalf to the IEDC. "He's good at helping companies stay here, and he's good at helping companies make the right decision to come here."

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Crawford discussed his economic development goals that extend beyond film and tourism. He aims to work with businesses to ensure that expansion needs are being met and also seeks to attract new businesses to Santa Clarita.

"We're helping some businesses to be more successful here in Santa Clarita," Crawford said. "We have a million square feet in retail. We're working to bring in the right restaurant, the right stores. Those are some of the things that are exciting and new to me."

Crawford will also specifically work to serve the businesses in Mann Biomedical Park, including Mannkind and Advanced Bionics. Crawford has his sights set on bringing suppliers to the area to help such businesses lower the cost of shipping.

"We're looking at a whole range of different things," Crawford said.

BY NADRA KAREEM

Staff Reporter