The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in 1983. EDAWN - as its mission states - is committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting new-forming companies to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks.

The EDAWN Coin is awarded to extraordinary individuals in recognition of exceptional leadership, active engagement and/or cooperation in support of the Reno-Sparks regional economic development efforts. EDAWN states that by virtue of its exclusivity, only a limited number of coins are issued. 

3 Research & Innovation leaders presented EDAWN Coins in 2023

The Innevation Center's Grace Chou, chief innovation and commercialization officer for the University of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center, was presented an EDAWN Coin at the EDAWN Existing Industry Awards event in October. She was honored for her contribution to the Reno community through efforts in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship and fostering collaboration.

"We have an honoree who epitomized the spirit of the coin and who has made an ongoing positive impact through their service to our community," newly named EDAWN President & CEO Taylor Adams said of Chou. 

"In her role, Grace leads the overall advancement of the University's technology commercialization activities and its Innevation Center, a hub of entrepreneurship, collaboration and job creation in downtown Reno and an anchor to the regional innovation ecosystem," Doug Erwin, senior vice president of entrepreneurial development for EDAWN, said. "It was recently the headquarters for our inaugural Reno Startup Week and Grace graciously offered the space, and her team, to ensure the success of the event. Her passion for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has not only enhanced the local economy but has also provided our region with a brighter and more promising future. Her dedication to nurturing talent, building partnerships, and sparking new ventures has created a legacy."

At the beginning of the year, EDAWN held its annual “State of the Economy in Northern Nevada” Economic Update Luncheon and 40th Anniversary Celebration. The address was attended by more than 1,300 people and focused on the region’s growth over the past year, an overview of new companies and the changes and challenges to expect in coming years.

During the anniversary celebration in January, former EDAWN President & CEO Mike Kazmierski presented EDAWN Coins to both Mridul Gautam, vice president for research and innovation, and Carlos Cardillo, executive director for corporate partnerships in the Nevada Center for Applied Research (NCAR).

“Mridul is focused on facilitating world-class research and discovery at the University,” Kazmierski said in his introduction remarks. "Prior to joining the University in 2013, he served as associate vice president for research at West Virginia University as well as the vice president for the research corporation there. Mridul is a trusted member of the EDAWN team, on-call 24/7, to assist in our efforts to track quality companies and support entrepreneurial efforts.”

Kazmierski spoke of Gautam's and Cardillo's years of service and contributions to the community and region, and acknowledged NCAR and the Innevation Center for promoting connections between the University to industry and for fostering regional entrepreneurship and collaboration.

“Carlos Cardillo spurs an environment of innovation ideas by supporting faculty, students and local industry to further their entrepreneurial pursuits by leveraging the laboratories, equipment and expertise at UNR," Kazmierski said. "Carlos has also developed, implemented and successfully executed a large research program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense. Since 2015, he’s used his extensive background in research and development to help enhance the global competitiveness of Nevada while encouraging collaboration. We appreciate his efforts and NCAR’s contributions to the growth of our knowledge-based economy here and certainly, he’s been very helpful in our efforts to attract great companies to the region.”

The EDAWN coin is presented to EDAWN partners who have gone above and beyond expectations over an extended period of time in support of EDAWN and its job creation efforts. The coin was designed by The Abbi Agency and was first presented in July 2015.