August 27, 2026

10300 Eaton Place
Suite 235
Fairfax, VA 22030

media contact

Brittany Jones
PR & Marketing Manager
Fairfax City Economic Development
(571) 459-8626
Brittany.Jones@fairfaxcityecondev.org


for immediate release



Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) has received two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in the Postsecondary Education Partnership category. FCED received a Gold Award for the John Cabot University (JCU) International Business Fellowship and a Bronze Award for Pub Scholars in the 25,000–200,000 population category. FCED will be recognized alongside fellow award recipients at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28.

The John Cabot University International Business Fellowship is a recurring semester-long program that provides JCU students with hands-on experience in international business and economic development while helping promote Fairfax City to Italian businesses seeking to expand into the United States. Through the fellowship, students gain practical experience researching the U.S. market, identifying business opportunities, and promoting Fairfax City as a location for international companies.

Pub Scholars is a free, community-focused lecture series hosted by FCED in collaboration with George Mason University faculty. The series brings university experts and thought leaders to Fairfax City pubs for conversations on timely topics spanning technology, innovation, business, and other issues shaping the community and economy. By connecting the university with local businesses and residents in an informal setting, Pub Scholars creates opportunities for knowledge-sharing and community engagement.

Fairfax City Economic Development is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its John Cabot University International Business Fellowship and Pub Scholars event. This award shines a spotlight on FCED’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development. IEDC is honored to present this award to Fairfax City Economic Development to celebrate their leadership and innovation in the field.

Nathan Ohle
IEDC President and CEO

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.



Both the John Cabot University International Business Fellowship and Pub Scholars reflect our commitment to creating meaningful connections between Fairfax City and the higher education community. The fellowship provides students with real-world experience while helping us build connections with international businesses, while Pub Scholars brings university expertise and timely conversations into our local business community. It is especially rewarding to see these programs recognized by IEDC and to have the impact of these partnerships highlighted on a national level.

Marie Spittell
Senior Assistant Director of Business Investment, Fairfax City Economic Development

Receiving two IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards is a meaningful recognition of the creativity and collaboration that drive our work at Fairfax City Economic Development. Initiatives like the John Cabot University International Business Fellowship and Pub Scholars demonstrate that economic development extends beyond business attraction and investment. By creating opportunities to connect people, ideas, and businesses, we are strengthening Fairfax City’s position as a community where innovation, learning, and economic opportunity can thrive.

Colleen Kardasz
CEO and Director of Fairfax City Economic Development

This year’s awards take on special meaning, as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. In recognizing excellence in economic development, IEDC and its partners are celebrating successes and shining a spotlight on programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.





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About Fairfax City Economic Development

Fairfax City Economic Development is a collaboration between the Fairfax City Economic Development Department and the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, an independent agency administered by a commission appointed by the City Council to promote economic development activity within Fairfax. Fairfax City Economic Development helps attract businesses to the city, encourages and develops programs that foster connections between businesses, residents, and visitors of Fairfax City, and spearheads innovative programs and strategies devoted to positioning Fairfax City as an ideal location to start, grow, and scale a business. It is a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance. Learn more at gofairfaxcity.com.



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