advertisement

---

Progressive Rail Inc. recently won a 2013 Biennial Economic Development Award from the Wisconsin Economic Development Association. The railroad was nominated by the Chippewa County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC).

Progressive Rail was recognized for its infrastructure improvements, improved safety on its western Wisconsin lines, and support of existing and new industrial development initiatives.

The company's Wisconsin Northern Railroad — which operates 156 miles of track from Chippewa Falls to Rice Lake and Barron — recently added two new passing tracks to its mainline in Chippewa County. The more than $5 million worth of increased capacity could attract more businesses to the area, CCEDC officials said in a press release.

"Perhaps the greatest mark of achievement in Progressive Rail's track record is seen by the existing and new businesses that have elected to invest on our line, which brings with that their commitment, careers, commerce and community involvement to Chippewa County and the state of Wisconsin," said Progressive Rail President Dave Fellon.