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2025 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council
Newport News and Hampton’s joint 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards entry
earned a Gold recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
The Cities of Newport News and Hampton’s joint 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards entry earned a Gold recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, projects and programs that have transformational impacts in communities, regions, and nations.
Newport News and Hampton will be acknowledged and honored this September, at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan in the “Regional or Cross-Border Partnership” category for their collaboration on Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co.’s expansion.
Liebherr, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of mining equipment, is investing $72.3 million to meet current and projected international demand for its products, while also advancing its transition to battery-powered mining trucks. Collaboration on this project was essential given the unique geographic location of the Liebherr facility directly on the city line of Newport News and Hampton.
“This is an excellent example of the very hard work that goes on behind the scenes in economic development to make big things happen. Addressing interjurisdictional projects is exceptionally hard to pull off, and make it look easy for the employer and the community,” one judge noted.
“It’s been a true privilege to work alongside the Commonwealth of Virginia and the cities of Newport News and Hampton throughout our expansion,” said Cort Reiser, Managing Director of Manufacturing & Warehouse Logistics at Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. “Their insight and support were invaluable at every stage—from planning and construction to completion. But more than that, they played a key role in helping us grow our workforce and strengthen our local presence. The smooth execution of this project speaks volumes about the strength of our partnership and the dedication shown by both the Commonwealth and our city partners.”
“We are proud that Newport News and Hampton’s collaboration is being recognized on an international stage,” said Mayor Phillip Jones, City of Newport News. “The Liebherr expansion demonstrates how regional partnerships drive innovation, strengthen our workforce, and create long-term economic opportunity. This project is a clear example of how working together across city lines benefits our businesses, our citizens, and the entire Hampton Roads region.”
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the International Economic Development Council,” added Hampton City Mayor Jimmy Gray. “The Liebherr expansion is a shining example of what can be accomplished when regional partners come together with a shared vision for growth and innovation. This award celebrates not just a project, but a partnership that is building a stronger future for our entire region.”
“This award is a testament to the collaboration, commitment, and strategic planning that went into making the Liebherr expansion a reality,” said Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting. “It reflects the strength of our cross-border partnerships with the City of Newport News and the dedication of everyone involved—from local leaders to regional stakeholders. We are proud to be part of this success story.”
“This Gold award highlights the power of strategic collaboration,” said Newport News City Manager Alan K. Archer. “Joining forces with Hampton, enabled the city to support Liebherr’s investment in a way that ensures continued growth, sustainability, and global competitiveness. Partnerships like this not only meet the needs of our employers today but also lay the foundation for future success in our region.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
About Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co.
Since the mid-1990s, Liebherr Mining Equipment Newport News Co. has been the dedicated mining truck facility within the Liebherr Mining Division—one of 13 product segments of the globally operating Liebherr Group. Based in Newport News, Virginia, the company designs, engineers, and manufactures ultra-class haul trucks among the largest and most advanced in the world, built for the toughest mining environments.
Liebherr is a recognized leader in mining technology, committed to delivering sustainable, customer-focused solutions. The company supports the industry’s transition to cleaner operations with low- and zero-emission equipment options.
The Newport News facility employs highly skilled professionals who contribute to Liebherr’s engineering and manufacturing excellence. Across the United States, Liebherr maintains a strong presence with multiple manufacturing, sales, and service locations, supporting industries from construction and mining to maritime and aerospace. This nationwide footprint reflects Liebherr’s long-term commitment to serving North American customers with locally supported, globally trusted solutions.
About Newport News and Hampton
Newport News and Hampton are independent cities in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia. With populations of approximately 186,000 and 137,000, they are the fifth and seventh-most populous cities in Virginia.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org
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