By Joe Bachman

A long-time economic development firm will receive $20,716 from the city in their efforts to revitalize local business.

The Regional Economic Growth Initiative (REGI) is a Wisconsin Rapids based nonprofit 501(c)(3) public/private funded organization that seeks to create economic opportunities in the area. They seek to increase jobs, investments, and bring businesses to the area.

“I think one of the roles that REGI needs to play is continuing collaboration,” said President Rick Bakova. “The airport is one of the most visible projects that REGI can be involved with — it’s the gateway of our city.”

There have been talks of turning the airport hangar at Alexander Field into a usable recreation center for the city. Bakova also spoke of the opportunities of bringing in outside investors to the area, much like the success they had with the Sand Valley Golf Resort in Nekoosa.

For more information, please visit http://www.cwregi.com/