20th Annual Area Development Gold and Silver Shovel Awards

It’s been 20 years since Area Development first handed out its inaugural Shovel Awards. In those two decades, we’ve seen seismic shifts in where and how America grows. From the rise of the electric vehicle industry to the return of semiconductor manufacturing on U.S. soil, the momentum has never let up. If anything, the pace has only quickened. And through it all, the states that earn Shovel Awards have led the charge, securing investments, creating jobs, and laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term economic success.

The 2025 Gold and Silver Shovel Awards arrive during a time of remarkable resilience and forward-looking energy. Despite global headwinds, domestic uncertainty, and technological upheaval, the American economy continues to expand, fueled by billions in capital investment and a renaissance in domestic manufacturing. From EV batteries to semiconductors, aerospace to food production, and from rural communities to megaregions, the growth stories behind this year’s winners offer a powerful testament to the vision and coordination it takes to compete in today’s global economy.

Read the full article from Area Development here.