U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio Receives Award from Development District Association of Appalachia March 2013

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013—U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio received the Development District Association of Appalachia's (DDAA) 2013 Congressional Award in a Capitol Hill ceremony today..

The Congressional Award is presented each year by the DDAA to a member of Congress for outstanding service to the people of Appalachia and support of the work of the local development districts and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Local development districts nominate candidates, and the DDAA board makes the final selection.

Brown was recognized for his "ongoing commitment and strong support of the Appalachian Regional Commission and its programs" as well as his "dedicated service to the people of the 13-state Appalachian Region and especially those citizens residing in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio."

On receiving the award, Brown said, "Strong rural communities demand economic investment and development. That's why these local development districts throughout Appalachian Ohio are so important. By tapping into the revolving loan fund and federal grants, these organizations make a huge difference in the communities they serve."

The DDAA is a public, nonprofit organization made up of Appalachia's 73 multicounty planning and development districts. Its members work closely with the Appalachian Regional Commission, other federal and state agencies, and local residents to identify and address economic development needs and opportunities in their communities.