The work of economic development professionals can be overlooked, but the Wisconsin Economic Development Association has established an awards program that gives them their due.
Finalists for the 2026 Community and Economic Development Awards were announced earlier this week. Three economic development projects or programs were selected in categories designed to recognize business retention and expansion; economic development initiative; real estate redevelopment and reuse; and talent attraction, development and retention.
Winners in each category will be announced at the CEDA Awards ceremony luncheon, held Thursday as part of WEDA’s Fall Best Practices Conference in Kenosha.
“The WEDA Community and Economic Development Awards is Wisconsin’s premier program for recognizing the work and success of the state’s economic development community,” WEDA president and CEO Melissa Hunt said in a press release. “It provides a tremendous opportunity to celebrate innovative projects that are promoting growth and prosperity throughout Wisconsin.”
Finalists in each category include:
Business Retention and Expansion
- Rogers Behavioral Health Chippewa Falls Expansion Initiative – Chippewa Falls
- Weinbrenner Shoe Company – Marshfield
- Worthington Cylinders Expansion Project – Chilton
Economic Development Initiative
- Appleton International Airport Terminal Expansion and Renovation – Appleton
- Boys & Girls Clubs – Judy Corbett Hutchens Workforce Readiness Center Construction – La Crosse
- Green Bay Packers Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) – Green Bay
- Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse
- New Richmond Community Library: A Public-Private Partnership – New Richmond
- State Street Campus Garage Mixed-Use Project – Madison
- Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center – City of Janesville
Talent Attraction, Development, and Retention
- NEW Digital Alliance Investor Mentorship Program – Northeast Wisconsin
- NEW Construction Leadership Academy – Northeast, Wisconsin
- Rock Internship & Externship Programs – Rock County
