A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News April 15, 2005 - Progress Effort Wins Award By Deb Cleworth, Daily Tribune Staff A three-year project designed to spur economic growth and improve the quality of life in the Wisconsin Rapids area has been named the best rural development program in the state. The Community Progress Initiative received the top award for 2005 during a rural leadership summit this week in Eau Claire. The initiative, which was launched in April 2004, also contributed to two other statewide awards for local efforts. The Community Foundation of South Wood County received the 2005 Wisconsin Community Leadership Award and the town of Rome was one of six communities to receive an honorable mention in the same category won by the Community Progress Initiative. The progress initiative was created by the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and the Community Foundation after a series of paper-mill layoffs that dampened spirits and slowed the local economy. Organizers determined that communities in south Wood County and Rome could boost themselves through collaboration, charitable giving and business-friendly practices. Fred Siemers of Wisconsin Rapids is among dozens of local residents who participate in "industry cluster" groups as part of the initiative. He said he was "elated" to hear about the award. "There's a part of me that isn't entirely surprised about that," he said. "I think there have been quite a few dedicated people volunteering their time and talents to the progress initiative and very much (are) believers in the initiative. Getting recognition from peers throughout the state is obviously a testament to the power of the programming." That recognition might pull more community members into the project, he said. "I think it might get those who have sat back, wondering, to the point of understanding that this is a legitimate process and it might get more people involved," Siemers said. The organizations and communities received the honors at the Wisconsin Rural Partners' third annual Wisconsin Rural Leadership Summit. The program is designed to promote innovative ideas that improve rural communities in the state. The Community Progress Initiative was created to build the local economy and back it up with money and programs to help boost profits, jobs, shopping opportunities, the tax base and attitudes. It has involved Wisconsin Rapids, Rome, Vesper, Port Edwards, Nekoosa, Pittsville and surrounding communities. The project also received national recognition in March, when Connie Loden, executive director of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, and Kelly Lucas, president of the Community Foundation of South Wood County, were chosen to speak at the Small Business Administration's 2005 National Conference in Washington, D.C. Since the project's kickoff, new businesses have started out of entrepreneurial boot camps, and industry cluster groups, community rallies and a speaker series have been offered to the community. Loden said the award means the initiative is "on the right track in regard to the program design" and could serve as a model for other communities. "There are tools and components in the Community Progress Initiative that they can apply and adapt and be valuable for their own community," Loden said. Where is the Community Progress Initiative headed? "Building upon what has begun in the first year and providing additional support and assistance for the business development and community development programming and community teams that have gotten up and running and are moving forward," Loden said. "What we have done is kind of taken stock of what was successful in the first year, and what areas we need to build on." The Community Foundation's award was based on its history and its work in the community. State schools Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster, who presented the award, cited the foundation's help in facilitating a conversation for the need for a new senior center and further development in the downtown area. Lucas said it took strong participation by residents to make the progress initiative as successful as it has been so far. "There have been many positive things that have begun to take root because of the progress initiative," she said. And I think the community should be proud of the incredible number of hours that a number of people have given to make a stronger community." You can reach Deb Cleworth at 422-6730 or dcleworth@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
		Copyright © 2005, Community Progress Initiative, South Wood County & Town of Rome