Momentum West Annual Meeting and Economic Development Award Winners

Momentum West, a West Central Wisconsin regional economic development organization, hosted its Annual Meeting and 2023 Economic Development Awards. This well-attended event celebrates the best West Central Wisconsin offers and recognizes these organizations and people's critical work in their communities.

"I look forward to this event every year," said Steve Jahn, Executive Director of Momentum West. "It's a pleasure to witness the positive strides in economic development in our communities. I'm consistently impressed by our nominees and award winners. Their dedication to enhancing their community and expertise has truly shaped West Central Wisconsin into what it is today."

Momentum West received a wide variety of nominations submitted by community members throughout the region. Of those, several were chosen to receive this year's awards, including:

• Top Development Project — Loos Machine and Automation
• Top Redevelopment Project — St. Croix Falls Historic Civic Auditorium
• Top Talent Initiative — UW-Stout (Programs for Middle and High School Students)
• Entrepreneur of the Year — William (Bill) Lobner, Creator of Green Fleet, LLC
• Young Professional of the Year — Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation
• Regional Collaboration Award — Menomonie Food Coop
• Regional Impact Award — West Central Wisconsin Regional Broadband Coalition
• Above and Beyond Award — Family Friendly Workplaces, Neil Kline, Executive Director
• Diversity and Inclusion Award — Dennis Beale, Power of Perception

We invite you to stay tuned for more detailed information about each award recipient and project.