We know that economic development rarely happens because of one project, or one person. It happens when businesses, communities, educators, financial institutions, elected officials, utilities, entrepreneurs, and economic development stakeholders work together toward a common goal. That is why recognition from our peers and outside organizations matters so much. For the CEDC, economic development awards are not simply plaques for the office. They provide an opportunity to benchmark our work against communities and organizations across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and the nation. More importantly, they provide third-party recognition of the innovative work being done throughout Chippewa. National economic development organizations (our peers) give awards as a way to validate a local economic development organization's vision and mission, demonstrate their impact, recognize their staff and partners, increase credibility with local stakeholders, and share their successful [...]