FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
Southern California Wine Country EDC Accredited by the International Economic Development Council
[Washington, DC] – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Southern California Wine Country EDC has been recognized as one of 90 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).
“Southern California Wine Country EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.
The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an on-site visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.
Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that Southern California Wine Country EDC has attained a measure of excellence, assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands.
“We are honored to have received this accreditation,” said Connie Stopher, CEcD, Executive Director of the Southern California Wine Country EDC. “ It is a reflection of the EDC’s commitment to ensuring the economic vitality and sustainability of the region”.
Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world.
 

 
About the IEDC
With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, call Dana Crater at (910) 821.0245; fax (202) 223.4745; write to IEDC at 1275 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005; email [email protected]; or visit IEDC’s website at www.iedconline.org.
 
Media Contact:
Connie Stopher, CecD
Executive Director, Economic Development Coalition
[email protected]
http://socalwinecountryedc.com
951-557-8070
  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Southwestern Riverside County Region Announces New Identity as “Southern California Wine Country”
TEMECULA, CA -- After over 30 years of serving the business community in Southwestern Riverside County, the Economic Development Coalition (EDC) is proud to announce a comprehensive regional rebrand. The area will now be recognized as Southern California Wine Country, reflecting its growing reputation as a premier destination for wine, tourism, and business opportunity.
This new identity aligns with the region’s rise in prominence due to its vibrant wine industry, unique lifestyle offerings, and increasing tourism. With this rebrand, the EDC aims to highlight not only the rich culture and scenic beauty of the region but also its pro-business environment, strategic location, and diverse economic potential.
“As the region becomes more well known for its wine and tourism industry, it makes sense to leverage that visibility for broader economic development,” said Connie Stopher, CEcD, Executive Director of the EDC. “Southern California Wine Country is more than a destination — it's a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs, investors, and families looking to grow and thrive.”
Alongside the regional rebrand, the EDC has unveiled a refreshed organizational brand to better align with its renewed mission to foster sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity with Southern California Wine Country by leveraging strategic partnerships, advocating for business-friendly policies, and providing tailored resources to empower local businesses and communities.
To learn more about the new brand and ongoing initiatives, visit: SoCalWineCountryEDC.com


Media Contact:
Connie Stopher, CEcD
Executive Director, Economic Development Coalition
 [email protected]   https://socalwinecountryedc.com