It takes guts to start a new business: guts and talent, perseverance, and good business sense. It is a rare combination. That is why Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) is making a big deal of National Entrepreneurship Week and naming a local “Entrepreneur of the Year.”

Business people from throughout the county will meet at their regular “Pub Talk” 6 to 9 p.m. Feb 27 at Terminal Gravity in Enterprise to celebrate the award winner.

The individual selected as Entrepreneur of the Year will be someone from Wallowa, Enterprise or Joseph who has demonstrated risk-taking and the creation of something new in the way of a service or product or employment in Wallowa County.

“This is the first year we’re offering the award,” said Julie Mullen of the three-county NEOEDD.

“We’ve gotten some good nominations for the award and we’re excited about supporting entrepreneurs in our area.”

The celebration will include speeches by Sandy Warnock of “Simply Sandy” in Joseph, Brian Coughlan of “Eastern Oregon Nursery” in Enterprise and Judy Taylor, owner of “Cup of Blessings” in Wallowa.

The meeting is free and the public is invited to attend. Please RSVP by calling 426-3598. There will be a no-host bar and snacks.

The Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) is a public organization established in 1985. Baker, Union and Wallowa Counties established the District by Intergovernmental Agreement as a way to enhance community and economic development services in the region.

Services include: training and technical assistance, business assistance, strategic planning, and program administration/staffing.