November 10, 2022
SMC is LAEDC’s 2022 Education Honoree
LAEDC Recognizes Santa Monica College as 2022 Education Honoree at 27th Annual Eddy Awards®
SoFi Stadium Gala on November 9 Honored Santa Monica College alongside LAEDC CEO Bill Allen, Stan Kroenke with his LA Rams & SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, as well as the cities of El Segundo, Gardena, and Santa Clarita
SANTA MONICA, CA — The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) recognized Santa Monica College (SMC) as its 2022 Education Honoree at the 27th Annual Eddy Awards held at SoFi Stadium on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Santa Monica College received the award for “its continuous delivery of higher education, career training, and cultural enrichment to its community of students.”
Alongside SMC, LAEDC also honored its own CEO Bill Allen as its Individual Honoree; Stan Kroenke, with his Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park as Corporate Honoree; in addition, the cities of El Segundo and Gardena & Santa Clarita (tie) were named winners of the Most Business-Friendly City awards in the population under 60,000 and population over 60,000 category, respectively, during the live-streamed ceremony.
Speaking at the gala, SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery said that winning what amounts to “the Oscars of the business community” was an honor, to be distinguished out of over 80 colleges and universities in Los Angeles. “Santa Monica College’s business partners report that we are ‘The best among the best,’” Dr. Jeffery said. “We offer 115 degrees and certificates across [dozens of] industry sectors and many more. We serve students from over 100 countries!”
She also went on to thank the LAEDC and industry partners, and stated that SMC students’ lived experiences were “an asset.” “Don’t think twice about hiring our community college students to meet your workforce demands!” Dr. Jeffery urged business leaders.
“To be recognized for outstanding leadership in economic development is the highest honor for Santa Monica College faculty and staff who work so hard to align our programming to the demands of the Los Angeles region,” said SMC Dean of Workforce & Economic Development Dr. Patricia Ramos. “We are honored indeed to receive this one!”
“Each year, the Eddy Awards recognize the incredible work that often happens behind the scenes throughout Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles region continues to grow as a powerhouse economy, not just in California but across the nation and the globe. These honorees are part of a network that tirelessly moves the regional economy on an equitable and sustainable path,” said Stephen Cheung, COO of LAEDC in a Sept. 1 press release announcing the honorees ahead of the Nov. 9 celebration. “We recognize the massive work done by these honorees for the local economy and its recovery from the pandemic while they become more innovative, resilient, and sustainable.”
Since 1996, the LAEDC Eddy Awards® celebrates individuals, organizations, and educational institutions that demonstrate exceptional contributions to inclusive economic development in the region. “Economic development is a team sport, and for 27 years, the Eddy Awards have highlighted some of the most valuable players in the region,” said Bill Allen, President, and CEO of LAEDC.
Individual Honoree Bill Allen was recognized for how, in 17 years as President and CEO, he transformed the LAEDC’s mission and programs, establishing partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to advance a more robust, equitable, sustainable, and resilient economy for Los Angeles County. LAEDC’s Corporate Honoree Stan Kroenke and The Kroenke Group was recognized for developing the largest sports and entertainment complex in the country in Inglewood, California, leading to the opening of SoFi Stadium in 2020. This development brought two NFL teams to Los Angeles, provided billions of dollars in investments, and created thousands of jobs in the Los Angeles County region. The Most Business Friendly Cities of El Segundo, Gardena, and Santa Clarita were recognized for creating environments that foster the creation and growth of enterprises that provide good jobs and build wealth for communities.
To learn more about the Eddy Awards, visit: 2022 Eddy Awards Honorees website. And for more information on the LAEDC and its mission, go to laedc.org.
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About the LAEDC
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, a non-profit organization,
champions equitable economic growth across the Los Angeles region. Through collaboration
with community, government, business and education partners to inform and advance
a data-driven and evidence-based approach, LAEDC endeavors to achieve a reimagined
regional economy – growing, equitable, sustainable, and resilient – that provides
a healthy and high standard of living for all. LAEDC staff and its members represent
the diversity of Los Angeles County and act as trusted conveners, thought partners,
valued service providers, regional stewards, and catalysts for transformational change.
For more information visit laedc.org or call 213-236-4847.
About Santa Monica College
Santa Monica College is a California Community College accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For 31 consecutive years, SMC has been California’s leading transfer college to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other University of California campuses. The college also tops in transfers to the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University and is the top feeder west of the Mississippi to the Ivy League Columbia University. More than 110 career training degrees and certificates at SMC—in fields ranging from the traditional (Accounting, Early Childhood Education, Nursing) to the emerging (Sustainable Technologies, Technical Theatre, and a baccalaureate degree in Interaction Design)—offer professional preparation for students interested in directly entering the job market, transferring to a four-year school, or upgrading specific skills. SMC provides news and cultural enrichment through its NPR radio station KCRW (89.9 FM), the Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, and lifelong learning through distinctive programs such as its Emeritus Program for older adults.