CLARION — Aaron J. Budweg, director of Wright County Economic Development, was awarded a professional development scholarship from the Professional Developers of Iowa.

The $500 award will support his attendance at the 2026 Heartland Economic Development Course, a regional training program for economic development professionals.

The course, to be held in mid-April, focuses on business retention and expansion, workforce talent development, site selection and economic development finance.

“Staying competitive in today’s market requires specialized training and regional connections,” Budweg said in a written statement. “This scholarship is an opportunity to strengthen our county’s capacity while being fiscally responsible with our local resources. By pursuing external funding for this training, we are ensuring that Wright County remains at the table with regional partners and site selectors without adding a burden to the county budget.”