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The International Economic Development Council recently presented its 2005 Chairman's Lifetime Achievement Award to Michele Keller, BNSF Railway Co.’s regional economic development manager. The award recognizes an individual who displays a long-standing commitment to economic development.

During her 39-year career, Keller has attracted more than $1 billion worth of economic development projects in 20 states to BNSF’s lines. Each year, she manages more than 100 economic development projects for the railroad's Agricultural Products Business Unit.

"[Keller] has a profound belief that the role of the economic developer is to further educate and develop our industry's next generation to create higher standards of living for our citizens," said Vann Cunningham, BNSF assistant vice president of economic development, in a prepared statement.