08/31/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Beulah Receives Gold Award from International Economic Development Council
BEULAH, N.D. – August 20, 2026 – The City of Beulah, Beulah Economic Development, and the Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau are proud to announce that the community has been awarded a Gold Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its project, “Strategic Plan: Enabling a Thriving Community with Clean, Sustainable Natural Resources.”
The award was earned in the Best Use of Federal Resources category for communities with a population under 25,000. The recognition highlights Beulah’s innovative approach to leveraging federal resources, strategic planning, and community partnerships to strengthen the local economy while promoting sustainable development.
The award-winning application was prepared and submitted by Granville “Beaver” Brinkman, Economic Development/Operations Director for the City of Beulah. His leadership in developing and presenting the community’s strategic initiatives helped demonstrate Beulah’s vision for long-term economic growth, sustainability, and community prosperity.
Second Consecutive Year of National Recognition
This marks the second consecutive year that Brinkman’s work and Beulah’s economic development efforts have been recognized by the International Economic Development Council.
In 2025, Beulah received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award in the same category. Earning Gold in 2026 reflects the continued advancement of the City’s strategic initiatives and the growing national recognition of Beulah’s innovative approach to community and economic development.
“This Gold Award is a tremendous honor for our community,” said Granville “Beaver” Brinkman, Economic Development/Operations Director for the City of Beulah. “It reflects the collaboration, dedication, and forward-thinking efforts of our elected officials, economic development partners, businesses, organizations, and residents. Together, we have demonstrated that communities of any size can develop innovative strategies that create lasting economic opportunity while protecting the natural resources that make our region unique.”
A Community-Wide Effort
The recognition also reflects the collaborative work taking place among Beulah’s community organizations to strengthen the community’s economy, quality of life, and visitor appeal.
The Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau plays an important role in supporting the community’s overall economic development efforts through tourism promotion, visitor services, marketing, events, partnerships, and initiatives designed to bring visitors and economic activity to the Beulah area.
“Economic development and tourism are closely connected,” said Kevin Flaagan, Chair of the Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau. “When we invest in our community, promote our assets, support local businesses, and create reasons for people to visit and stay, we are contributing to the overall economic strength of Beulah. This award recognizes the larger vision and the collaborative efforts happening throughout our community.”
Leadership and Vision
Olivia Akin - Mayor of Beulah praised the achievement and the collaborative efforts behind the award.
“This recognition is a testament to Beulah’s commitment to thoughtful planning, innovation, and sustainable economic growth,” said Akin. “We are incredibly proud of Granville ‘Beaver’ Brinkman and everyone who contributed to this strategic initiative. This national recognition reinforces that Beulah is a community committed to innovation, collaboration, and building a strong future.”
The City of Beulah, Beulah Economic Development, and the Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau recognize that sustainable community growth requires collaboration across local government, economic development, tourism, businesses, organizations, and residents.
“This award is about much more than a single project,” said Akin. “It represents the vision we have for Beulah and our willingness to think strategically about where we want our community to be in the years ahead.”
National Recognition
The International Economic Development Council’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s most innovative and impactful economic development programs and initiatives.
Receiving a Gold Award places Beulah among the communities recognized nationally for excellence and innovation in economic development.
The City of Beulah and its community partners will continue working together to advance strategic initiatives that support economic opportunity, strengthen local businesses, promote tourism, utilize available resources, and build a sustainable future for the community.
About Beulah Economic Development
Beulah Economic Development works to support business growth, economic opportunity, community development, and strategic initiatives that contribute to the long-term prosperity of Beulah and the surrounding region.
About the Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau promotes Beulah and the surrounding area as a destination for visitors, events, recreation, and tourism while supporting local businesses and initiatives that contribute to the community’s economic vitality.
Media Contact:
City of Beulah
Beulah Economic Development
Beulah Convention and Visitors Bureau Visit Beulah ND - Beulah CVB
https://www.visitbeulah.com/news-center/p/item/69054/beulah-wins-iedc-gold-award
