Three programs at the University of Georgia have been selected as finalists for national awards to recognize departmental innovation in the area of economic development.

UGA’s three finalists for 2018 Awards of Excellence from the University Economic Development Association are the Archway Partnership, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Innovation Gateway. All three are in different categories, meaning they will not compete with one another.

The Archway Partnership addresses healthcare needs in rural Georgia. The GA Certified Economic Developer program was created to be responsive to Georgia’s ever-changing economic needs.

Innovation Gateway manages the third program, the Cultivar Development Research program, in concert with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Georgia Seed Development Commission. The Cultivar program acts as an internal grant program that is funded entirely by revenue derived from UGA-developed plant varieties.

Winners will be announced in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the UEDA’s annual summit on Oct. 21-24.