Town of Chapel Hill Receives Excellence in Economic Development Awards

Published on August 24, 2026

The Town of Chapel Hill has been recognized with two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

These awards celebrate the Town’s impactful work with the Launch Chapel Hill Powered by KPMG Accelerator and coordinated efforts to support business recovery following Tropical Storm Chantal.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized – but more importantly, this award highlights the strength of our partnerships,” said David Putnam, Town of Chapel Hill Economic Development Director. “Economic Development is the ultimate team sport, and we’re always going to be more successful when we chose to work together.”

Launch Chapel Hill Powered by KPMG is a six-week accelerator that helps start-up businesses refine their value proposition and develop a go-to-market strategy.

“When start-ups have access to resources like Launch combined with the collaboration of the Town, UNC, and KPMG– it creates an environment that encourages innovation and makes the decision for businesses to stay here easy,” Emil Runge, Executive Director of Launch Chapel Hill shared.

After Tropical Storm Chantal impacted 92 businesses, the Town worked closely across internal departments, Orange County, the Chamber, and Duke Energy to ensure that affected businesses had access to information and resources for reopening as fast as possible.

“When something like this happens, businesses are left with so much that is unknown,” said Aaron Nelson, President of the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.  “Our close relationship with the Town allowed us to move quickly, share accurate information, and make sure businesses weren’t navigating that uncertainty alone.”

These are the first Excellence in Economic Development Awards from IEDC the Town of Chapel Hill has received.