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Toni Sprenkle Wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award

Port Deposit, Maryland – Toni Sprenkle, EDFP, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Development Corporation is a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace. “The purpose-driven work of economic development plays a vital role in communities around the world, and much of it is led by young professionals,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are contributing their creativity, dedication and leadership to make a tremendous impact in their communities and our industry as a whole, and I so look forward to what lies ahead in their careers.” Sprenkle joined the BDC in 2014 and held the roles of Project Assistant and Project Coordinator before taking over as Executive Director in 2021. Notable accomplishments during her time at the BDC include negotiating a federal contract with the U.S Navy and securing funding for remedial activities; receiving regulatory approvals from the Maryland Department of Environment opening the site to development after a decade of inactivity; assisting in the acquisition and transfer of the 444 Phase 1 development, placing the property under private ownership and back on the tax rolls; and successfully managing over $10million in publicly funded projects. “The economic development industry continues to evolve and these rising leaders are stepping up to the challenge,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Congratulations to these 40 winners – and to the communities that are lucky to benefit from their expertise.” Award winners were announced January 29, 2023, at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2023 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession. For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.