Wisconsin Rural Partners, Inc. awarded the Top Rural Development Initiatives for 2009 at a June 5 ceremony at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Stevens Point. The awards were presented by Wisconsin Rural Partners president Bill Wheeler at the conclusion of the 2009 Wisconsin Rural Summit.

The four efforts receiving Top Initiative awards are:

• Puentes/Bridges, based in Alma, Wisconsin, a non-profit organization that facilitates cross-cultural understanding and community acceptance by providing training - including regular trips to Mexico - for farmers and their Mexican employees on dairy farms in west central Wisconsin;
• Westfield Schools Biodiesel project, Westfield, a highly innovative project in which students make from used vegetable oil bio-diesel fuel that propels the district bus fleet;
• The Wisconsin Rural Women’s Initiative, Elkhorn, a statewide project that uses multiple approaches to support farm women and promote their personal growth and wellness;
• Darlington Dental Clinic and Senior Housing Project, Darlington. The result of a collaboration of three organizations, this multi-use facility includes 17 senior condominiums and an eight-chair dental clinic, giving a great economic spark to a city of approximately 2,300 in southwest Wisconsin.

This is the eleventh year that Wisconsin Rural Partners has recognized Wisconsin's Top Rural Development Initiatives. The program is designed to identify, highlight, and share innovative models, practices and programs that have a positive impact on rural Wisconsin communities. Wisconsin Rural Partners created the program to provide a mechanism for rural communities to learn from each other.

For more information on the 2009 award winners click here.