WASHINGTON, DC --  Representative Mike Michaud has accepted the National Association of Development Organizations' (NADO) Lifetime Achievement Award. Bob Clark, the Executive Director of the Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC), presented the award to Michaud for his leadership in promoting federal economic development programs.

"I'm humbled to receive this award," said Michaud, a longtime member of the Economic Development Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I've been proud to work closely with Maine's economic development experts over the years and to advocate for the resources and policies so critical to their missions. Creating jobs and supporting businesses in our communities must be the top priorities of Congress right now."

Michaud has long championed the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which is the only federal agency focused exclusively on economic development, given its impact on local economies in Maine and throughout the country. Since its inception, projects funded by the EDA have created over four million private sector jobs and leveraged roughly $150 billion in private sector investment.

L-R: Leonard, Clark, Michaud

Michaud also authored the law that established the Northern Border Regional Commission, which provides economic development funding focused on distressed communities in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. Michaud has also long supported other critical economic development programs, including those in the Small Business Administration and the USDA.

NADO President John Leonard said: "Mike Michaud has led the charge in Congress not only for EDA reauthorization, but also for EDA funding. He has authored and sponsored legislation protecting and increasing EDA funding and worked with the Obama Administration on issues of critical importance to our members."

Bob Clark of NMDC said: "Simply put, EDA and all our regions that use the funds it provides have had no better friend in Congress than Mike Michaud. For 10 years he has been an advocate for economic development and the best spokesman in Congress for the benefits of these critical investments."

NADO provides advocacy, education, research, and training for the nation's regional development organizations. The association and its members promote regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across America's local communities.