PALOUSE, Washington (STPNS) -- Palouse was recently honored for its creative, bootstrap approach to revitalization. Like many small, rural communities, the town found itself in decline with fewer family farms, large retail competition and businesses leaving town. In 1996, a severe flood decimated the remaining businesses. The community rallied around the town?s assets ? a downtown river, small town way of life, and a creative and artistic populace ? establishing antique stores and art studios to attract visitors from larger communities. Through small, locally owned business development, the community has reclaimed its distinctive character and charming ambiance, resulting in a thriving business center.



The special award was given to Palouse by the Inland Northwest Partners (INP), a regional nonprofit economic development organization at their annual meeting November 19.

For more than 20 years, the INP has recognized deserving individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions toward economic development in the region.

The Community Award honors communities that have successfully implemented an effective recruitment, retention or community development strategy that impacts a community?s economy.

Bonners Ferry, Idaho, was also recognized in the community award.

The INP is a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing the longterm vitality of a twostate region through its core offering of educational meetings, programs and seminars. More than 300 business and community leaders from eastern Washington and northern Idaho are members. The INP is also part of a regional marketing effort known as the Inland Northwest

Economic Alliance (INEA), is a consortium of 11 economic development groups. For more information, visit www.inwp.org.