Bonnie Petersen, former executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado and Club 20, was recognized for five decades of work promoting economic development in Western Colorado.

State Sen. Janice Rich, a Republican from Grand Junction, also was honored for efforts.

The Economic Development Council of Colorado presented Petersen with its Chairman’s Choice Award. Rich was named Legislator of the Year.

Petersen and Rich were among the recipients of 12 EDIE awards presented at the Economic Development Council of Colorado conference in Grand Junction.

“Each of the winners represents a key piece of the complex puzzle we must complete to ensure an economically viable future for Colorado — from large and small communities to national corporations to local businesses to elected officials and individual professionals and advocates,” said Drew Kramer, chairman of the council board of directors.

Petersen recently retired from her position as executive director of the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado. She previously served as executive director of Club 20 based in Grand Junction. She also served as a regional director on the council board of directors and was founder of an annual energy forum and expo held in Grand Junction.

Rich represents the 7th Senate District, which includes Mesa County and part of Delta County. She previously served two terms as a state representative and before that Mesa County clerk and treasurer.

The Economic Development Council of Colorado  hailed
Rich for her support of the creation and codification of the rural opportunity office with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade as well as state legislation reauthorizing the funding mechanism for downtown development authorities.