2021 EDGE Awards announced

RICHARDSON, Texas – Nov. 17, 2021 – The Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP), a program of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the city of Richardson, today honored 9 Richardson businesses, projects and individuals with a 2021 Economic Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) Award. For nearly four decades, this awards program has recognized outstanding Richardson organizations, initiatives and people that create economic impact and sustain community involvement.

 

“While the past year has presented many challenges, this year’s honorees rose to the occasion, achieving extraordinary successes in their industries while also meaningfully contributing to Richardson’s ongoing economic prosperity,” said Bill Sproull, president and CEO of the REDP. “We recognize each of our distinguished honorees for their substantial, positive impact on the Richardson economy, our community and the world beyond.”

 

The 2021 EDGE Awards honored the following highly deserving Richardson businesses, projects and individuals in nine different categories:

 

TNT Dental, a dental industry internet marketing company, received this award for dramatically improving the aesthetics of 2100 N. Collins after purchasing and renovating the building for its new home. This award is given to a Richardson real estate project in office, industrial, retail, transit-oriented development or mixed-use development that demonstrates a positive new vitality for the city and has a strong impact on Richardson’s commercial real estate sector. This award is sponsored by Texas Bank & Trust.

 

TI Foundation received this award for its instrumental role in helping the Richardson ISD convert the entire 10,000 student Berkner High School feeder pattern into a STEM-4-ALL feeder pattern into the high school. For more detail on this project, visit https://dfw501c.com/richardson-isd-announces-4-6m-grant-to-immerse-more-than-10000-students-in-k-12-stem-learning/. This award is given to a business that has consistently, over several years, supported and/or contributed financial resources and personal time to Richardson-specific charitable, educational, civic and social organizations and causes. This award is sponsored by Methodist Richardson Medical Center.

 

The Drawing Board received this award for both its role as a coworking haven in Richardson for burgeoning entrepreneurs and in recognition of owner Tim Tieu’s dedication to developing start-up companies that provide a wide range of business services. Services. This award is given to a Richardson company, individual or organization that exemplifies entrepreneurship. This award is sponsored by Bland Garvey.

 

SolartimeUSA, first founded by Paul Mierzwa in Poland and with regional offices in Richardson, received this award for the company’s dedication to providing renewable energy to 21,000 homes and businesses in North Texas and around the world. This award is given to a business or organization for its sustainable and green initiatives and/or products that are effective/innovative and/or can be replicated. This award is sponsored by GEICO.

 

Assa Abloy, based in Stockholm and one of the largest lock and security access companies in the world, received this award for its decade-long Richardson presence at 631 International Drive and its growth to 200 local employees. This award is given to a foreign-owned or ethnic business that has given significant support and/or provided significant economic investments in the community or job creation. This award is sponsored by Halff Associates.

 

Motorola Solutions received this award for selecting Richardson as the location for its artificial intelligence security camera unit in 2020 and its continued growth within the city. The company occupies 136,000 square feet of flex space that accommodates over 300 employees at Richardson’s popular Parc Northeast light industrial development. This award is given to a business that has come to Richardson since January 1, 2021 and has a significant impact on the community either through economic investments, community visibility and support, or other unique contributions. This award is sponsored by Logotology.

 

Gary Thomas, the recently retired president and executive director of DART, received this award for his support in building and operating the 13-city regional transit system that provides bus, light rail, commuter rail and paratransit service to a 700-square-mile service area. Under Thomas’ leadership, DART twice doubled its light rail system, becoming the nation’s longest at 93 miles. This award is given to a public sector or nonprofit entity, or an educational institution, for its impact and distinguished service to the businesses and citizens of Richardson as evidenced by a recent achievement milestone. This award is sponsored by the City of Richardson.

 

Hexa, a technology incubator, received this award for the transformation of a 44,000-square-foot former fitness center and school into an aesthetically pleasing and functional home for some of Richardson’s most promising start-up companies. The brainchild of Richardson tech entrepreneur Maan Hamdan, Hexa also promotes STEM education programs. This award is given to a developer, or a property or business owner, who redevelops their property, adding significant value, improving the use of the space/site and thereby enhancing both taxable value and quality in the community. This award is sponsored by Alliance Architects.

 

CommScope, a global infrastructure company, received this award for its relocation into the Richardson IQ® from its previous space on the Telecom Parkway. Scaling to meet its growing business, Commscope’s move also included an expansion to more than 100,000 square feet of space. This award is given to a local business for its longevity in Richardson (minimum of 10 years) or for renewing its commitment to maintain a Richardson presence when there was a choice to move. This award is sponsored by Dallas College – Richland and the City of Richardson.

 

For nearly 40 years, the Richardson Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the EDGE Awards, also known as the Business Appreciation Luncheon prior to 2008. This year, the awards recognized honorees during a hybrid event on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at Hexa’s office located at 2100 N. Greenville Avenue in Richardson. The awards event is held in conjunction with the two Rotary Clubs of Richardson: Richardson Rotary and Richardson East.

 

The Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP), a joint effort of the City of Richardson and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to building a vibrant and thriving local economy by attracting new investment and jobs through marketing, recruitment and working with existing employers. The REDP offers numerous services to companies considering expansion or relocation to the Telecom Corridor® area, including international and domestic business relocation assistance and professional service provider referrals, site selection, broker and real estate referrals, cost of business analyses, incentives, partner and executive introductions, tours and city information.