The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has named Jennifer Storm, CEO of the Buda Economic Development Corporation (Buda EDC), as the recipient of its 2025 Economic Developer of the Year award. Storm is the first Texan to receive this prestigious honor, which celebrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in economic development. This recognition underscores the significant economic transformation underway in Buda, Texas, and serves as a model for how strategic local leadership can drive regional prosperity.
The award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, creativity, and dedication to advancing economic prosperity. Under Storm's strategic direction, Buda has strengthened its position as a hub for high-wage job creation and knowledge-based businesses. Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, stated, "Strong economies are built by leaders like Jennifer Storm who understand that lasting progress requires vision, trust, and a deep commitment to the places and people they serve." This award validates the effectiveness of Buda's targeted economic development strategy, which has implications for other communities seeking to attract high-value industries and retain local talent.
Key achievements under Storm's leadership provide a blueprint for successful economic development. Notable projects include the recruitment of Perseus Defense, a Y Combinator-backed aerospace and defense company establishing its national headquarters in Buda, and facilitating a $120 million expansion by US Foods that created 160 jobs. These successes demonstrate Buda's growing appeal to major corporations and innovative startups alike, signaling a shift in the region's economic base toward higher-value sectors.
Beyond corporate recruitment, Storm's initiatives have focused on nurturing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The launch of the Buda HIVE incubator and the THRIVE small business loan program provides critical support for homegrown businesses. Furthermore, the Buda EDC has awarded approximately $267,000 in LEAP incentives to 52 local businesses for retention, expansion, workforce upskilling, marketing, and downtown revitalization. This balanced approach, supporting both large-scale investment and local enterprise, is crucial for building a resilient and inclusive economy that benefits a broad cross-section of the community.
Storm will be formally recognized at the IEDC 2026 Leadership Summit, taking place March 1–3, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The IEDC is the world's largest association for economic developers, a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization that supports professionals through learning, networking, research, advocacy, and partnerships worldwide. More information about the organization can be found at https://www.IEDC.org. The Buda Economic Development Corporation, dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth, provides further details on its work at https://www.budaedc.com.
This award is important because it highlights a proven model of economic development that combines aggressive business recruitment with robust support for local entrepreneurship and workforce development. For readers, industry professionals, and policymakers, Storm's recognition demonstrates that strategic, community-focused leadership can successfully attract major investments while strengthening the local business fabric, offering a replicable framework for driving sustainable economic growth in other regions.
