The Wisconsin Economic Development Association honored four organizations during its 2026 Community and Economic Development Awards program, held Sept. 17 in Kenosha.
The CEDA Awards were established by WEDA to recognize economic development projects and programs, as well as businesses and organizations, for significant contributions to Wisconsin’s economy.
The 2026 CEDA winners are:
- Business Retention and Expansion category: Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Marshfield, which partnered with the city of Marshfield to preserve its nearly 90-year manufacturing legacy while positioning the company for future growth
- Economic Development Initiative category: Appleton International Airport Terminal Expansion and Renovation, a $92 million terminal expansion and renovation
- Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse category: New Richmond Community Library, which was created in a public-private partnership to transform a vacant former middle school into a $50 million mixed-use downtown anchor
- Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention category: Rock Internship and Externship Programs in Rock County, a successful program led by the Rock County Economic Development Agency in partnership with Blackhawk Technical College, the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Rock County 5.0 and participating employers.
