Joe Wallace, the CEO of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP), has been honored as one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America for 2023. He is the sole representative from California and one of only three from the western states to receive this prestigious recognition. 

This achievement highlights the tireless efforts of Wallace and the CVEP team in fostering entrepreneurship, driving regional innovation, and diversifying industries in the Greater Palm Springs region.

Recognition and Awards

Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that bridges the gap between economic developers and site consultants, recently revealed its annual list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. Wallace was nominated by his colleagues in the economic development and site location consulting industries for his outstanding practices, innovative approaches, and successful community-building initiatives. The award ceremony will occur at Consultant Connect’s ECONOMIX event in Atlanta on November 30, where Wallace and other recipients will be acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.

Wallace’s Statement

Expressing his gratitude, Joe Wallace humbly accepted the recognition, stating, 

“I’m honored to have been nominated and named one of North America’s top 50 economic developers. Receiving this award in 2023 validates the hard work and creativity that the CVEP team invests daily to establish innovative regional programs to foster entrepreneurship and diversify the industry.” 

Wallace’s statement reflects his deep appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by the CVEP team in driving economic growth and transformation in the Coachella Valley.

Consultant Connect’s Perspective

Consultant Connect’s Managing Director, Carla Sones, emphasized the significance of the annual Top 50 list and the transformative impact of economic developers on communities. Sones stated, 

“The Consultant Connect team looks forward to releasing the Top 50 list every year because we believe that the work of economic developers is not only transformative to communities, but it is deeper than that. Each year jobs are created that impact individuals and their families. We are truly honored to provide a platform for North America’s top economic developers to be recognized for their passionate commitment to the communities they serve.”

CVEP’s Mission and Achievements

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1994 and dedicated to driving a vision-driven economic transformation in the Greater Palm Springs region. CVEP has played a vital role in innovating regional business development initiatives, fostering entrepreneurship, and diversifying industries. 

With its iHubs in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, CVEP has been at the forefront of technology-led economic development, providing resources and support for cutting-edge businesses. The organization promotes a diversified, year-round economy through business attraction, retention, and expansion. This helps drive a lasting impact on the region.

Conclusion

Joe Wallace’s recognition as one of the Top 50 Economic Developers in North America for 2023 is a testament to the impactful work carried out by the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership (CVEP). 

Under Wallace’s leadership, CVEP has spearheaded innovative regional programs, nurtured entrepreneurship, and facilitated industry diversification in the Greater Palm Springs area. This well-deserved honor acknowledges the remarkable achievements of Wallace and the CVEP team and highlights the transformative power of economic developers in building thriving communities.