Frontier Community Resources based in Twin Falls, Idaho has received a 2022 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the “Resilience for South-Central Idaho” project.

With support from the Economic Development Administration, Frontier Community Resources initiated a project to reimagine how the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) addresses Resiliency. The types of economic shocks addressed in the chapter was expanded to better capture the experiences of all eight counties and 34 communities. Numerous meetings and collaborations with area stakeholders were held to better understand the existing weaknesses and develop action plans for immediate response and future preparation. “We are so honored to receive recognition from NADO for our work examining the resiliency of South-central Idaho,” said Dr. Michele McFarlane, Frontier Community Development Planner. “We are committed to assisting the cities and counties of the region in promoting ongoing prosperity and this project is just one piece of the puzzle." 

Development of the Resilience “chapter” also lead Frontier to initiate broad changes to their CEDS document as a whole to ensure content is relevant and formatting is not a barrier to use and accessibility. “Our CEDS represents an ongoing effort for regional collaboration among community and business leaders. We are thrilled to receive this recognition on behalf of our regional partners and their efforts to be resilient in times of adversity," said Jeff McCurdy, President and CEO of Frontier.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. The Impact Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of our nation’s regions and local communities 

Award-winning projects were recognized during NADO’s 2022 Annual Training Conference, held in Pittsburgh, PA on October 15-18. The 2022 class of award recipients consists of 107 projects from 71 organizations spanning 28 states. These projects are presented in an interactive “Story Map” developed by NADO that includes project summaries, partners, and images.

“Regional development organizations and their partners have played an integral role in supporting local communities during this important time of economic recovery,” said 2021-2022 NADO President Misty Crosby, former executive director of the Buckeye Hills Regional Council, located in Marietta, OH. “This year’s Impact Awards recipients demonstrate the many ways our member organizations serve their communities by promoting economic development, fostering resilience, and improving quality of life for residents.”

The NADO Impact Awards are presented in honor of the late Aliceann Wohlbruck who was NADO’s first executive director and served 24 years as a tireless champion for regional approaches to economic development in rural communities.

For more information about this award-winning project, contact Dr. Michele McFarlane, (208) 732-5727 ext. 3005, [email protected].