The National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation recently named the Northwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NWRPC) as first runner-up for the 2002 Pioneer Award for Leadership in Entrepreneurial Promotion in Rural America (Pioneer Award). The award, which recognizes organizations that successfully address challenges facing rural entrepreneurs, is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
The NWRPC, located in Spooner, Wis., was recognized for a variety of economic development activities, such as creating a revolving business-loan fund and establishing a regional business-incubator network.
Other Pioneer Award designees are: Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, Gallup, N.M. (first place) and Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Pittston, Pa. (second runner-up).
