July 15, 2025 – Catawba Regional Council of Governments, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has recently been recognized with two 2025 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Chester County Emergency Response GIS Application and the Jonesville Streetscape Project.
The Chester County Emergency Response Application, developed in partnership with the Chester County Emergency Management Agency, is a GIS-based mobile and web tool that enhances real-time situational awareness and coordination across 10 agencies for over 30 types of emergency incidents. Funded entirely by local resources, the application has been instrumental in responding to 11 documented emergencies, most notably during Hurricane Helene in 2024, where it facilitated the collection of critical field data and improved response efficiency. Catawba Regional Council of Governments led the technical development, training, and ongoing support, while the project’s success was made possible through collaboration with local law enforcement, fire services, EMS, schools, healthcare providers, and state agencies. This innovative tool not only strengthens emergency response but also supports long-term regional resilience and economic stability by informing infrastructure planning and minimizing disruption during crises.
The Town of Jonesville Streetscape Improvements Project revitalized the town’s distressed downtown by enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and aesthetics through new ADA-compliant sidewalks, curbing, crosswalks, lighting, and landscaping, all aimed at promoting economic development and community connectivity. Funded through a mix of federal, state, and local sources, the project was completed in two phases, with Phase I completed and Phase II in planning. The Catawba Regional Council of Governments led grant applications and project administration, ensuring compliance and coordination. The improvements have made downtown more accessible for seniors, families, and residents with disabilities; encouraged physical activity; improved property values; and positioned the area for future investment and tourism, all while aligning with the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development. NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies.
This year’s cohort included 90 impactful projects led by 79 organizations across 24 states. These award-winning efforts will be recognized during NADO’s 2025 Annual Training Conference, held this coming October in Salt Lake City, Utah. All selected projects are featured in an interactive StoryMap that showcases summaries, images, and key partners. The map is available at www.nado.org/2025impactawards/.
“The Impact Awards are an annual reminder of the creativity and commitment that regional development organizations bring to their communities,” said 2024-2025 NADO President Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director of the Region XII Council of Governments in Iowa. “This year’s awardees show how local and regional partnerships, driven by vision and collaboration, can lead to lasting positive change across our country.”
“We are excited to share and promote some of the great projects occurring in our localities and throughout our region, and we are pleased that our peers and NADO have recognized this work,” said Randy Imler, Executive Director of Catawba Regional COG.
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