Biennial Awards

In 1985, WEDA established an awards program with the purpose of recognizing exceptional contributions to the economic vitality of Wisconsin.

The Biennial Awards program award selection process includes:

  • The use of creativity
  • Leadership
  • Effort
  • Investment or other attributes which further broad-based economic development goals and objectives within the State of Wisconsin.

In 2015, WEDA split the Biennial Awards categories, so that recognition at the Governor’s Conference can be conducted each year. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize young professionals and organizations that are making significant contributions to the field of economic development at the local, regional or state level. 

Only WEDA members in good standing can submit nominations. Nominations are limited to the attached application pages not to exceed two (2) typewritten pages in length. Please use the appropriate form as a cover for the nomination and submit to the Awards Committee.

2017 Biennial Category

2018 Biennial Categories

  • Organization (government bodies or agencies, business groups, schools, non-profits, etc.)
  • Young Professional

COMPANY/INDUSTRY Frederick C. Pearce Award ORGANIZATION  YOUNG PROFESSIONAL*
2016  Madison Regional Economic Partnership Shannon Full
2015 Mike Harrigan Tom Mihjalov
2013 Progressive Rail Jim Hough Chippewa Valley  Technical College
2011 Spectrum Industries Bruce Wm Mommaerts Chippewa County EDC
2009 Advanced Laser  Machining, Inc. Mary Cole Laub City of Prairie du Chien
 2007
2005 Craig Carlson
 2003 No Award  Merlin Zitzner Fond du Lac County Economic  Development Corporation
2001 Kempert Krogan
1999 Phillips Plastics  Corporation Larry D. Krause Timbercreek Development
 1997 American Builders  & Contractors Supply MLG-Mooney LeSage/ Hartford Area Development Corp. Michael Schatz
 1995 Northword Press/ American Medical Security Robert R. Brown III City of West Allis
1993 Barko Hydraulics/ Badger Window Systems Michael Anderson
 1991 Consolidated Papers Robert B. Fick School of Industry & Technology (UW-Stout)
1989 Harley Davidson Gov. Tommy Thompson/ Robert Walraven WI State Senate/ WI State Assembly
1987 Gillette Industries Robert Houle
 1986 Cray Research, Inc. Russell Bauman Experimental Aircraft Association
1985 Milwaukee Bucks/ Milwaukee Brewers/ Green Bay Packers Jane & Lloyd Pettit

2017 TIMELINE

  • Call for Entries Begins: December 5, 2017
  • Final Deadline: Emailed by noon on Friday, January 20, 2017
  • Notification: February 3, 2017
  • Awards Presentation: February 9 – Governor’s Conference on Economic Development

Winners will be recognized at WEDA’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. All entrants are encouraged to register and attend.

All award submissions must be sent electronically to bdoudna@weda.org.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The WEDA Awards committee, an established impartial panel, will screen the nominations to ensure that they are complete and appropriate. The panel will then interview the listed references. At the conclusion of this process the committee will recommend a finalist in each category to the WEDA Board. The WEDA Board will make the final selections

Only WEDA members in good standing can submit nominations. Nominations are limited to two (2) typewritten pages in length. Please use the appropriate form as a cover for the nomination and submit to the Awards Committee,

2017 Nominations will be accepted in one (1) category:

  • Frederick C Pearce Award – Nomination Form

2017 Award Categories Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my organization submit multiple nominations? Your organization may submit more than one entry including multiple submissions for the same category. A separate entry form is required for each.
  2. Can I submit an entry on behalf of another organization or person? You may submit an entry on behalf of yourself or a colleague or another organization.
  3. How will I know that my entry has been received? A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of your entry. Please allow 2 business days.

Nomination Form for 2018 Awards available December 2017:

  • Organization (government bodies or agencies, business groups, schools, non-profits, etc.)
  • Young Professional

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Perry at (866) 766-7578.

Remember, only WEDA members in good standing can submit nominations. Nominations are limited to two (2) typewritten pages in length. Please use the appropriate form as a cover for the nomination and submit to the Awards Committee at bdoudna@weda.org.