Greater Wausau’s regional outdoor recreation efforts in Wisconsin were honored at the first-ever Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards, with Visit Wausau and its partners earning four nominations and taking home one statewide award.
The ceremony, held at the Executive Residence in Madison, was organized by the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation to highlight innovation, collaboration, and economic growth through outdoor initiatives.
Bill Bertram, co-founder of IRONBULL and a consultant with the Greater Wausau Prosperity Partnership, received the Big Tent Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that unite diverse stakeholders to advance access and inclusivity in outdoor recreation.
“Visit Wausau had a big night at the first ever Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards,” Bertram said in a press release.
“Four nominations and one win—this speaks to the collaboration and vision happening in Greater Wausau,” Bertram added.
The region’s nominations included the Big Tent Award for Bertram, the First Ascent Award for Innovation for the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway, the Tandem Award for Collaboration for the “Wisconsin’s Basecamp” campaign, and Destination of the Year for Greater Wausau.
The awards recognize communities, businesses, and individuals that are advancing the state’s outdoor economy through strategic planning and partnership. Greater Wausau’s performance reflects a coordinated regional effort to promote outdoor recreation as a core economic and community development strategy.
“The Park, Recreation and Forestry Department is so excited to be a partner in promoting outdoor recreation in our region,” said Jamie Polley, director of Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry.
“We are very proud of the parks, forests, and natural areas that we manage, providing so many opportunities for residents and visitors. We are honored to be recognized by the Office of Outdoor Recreation as a destination location,” Polley explained.
Marathon County is home to two federally designated National Recreation Trails—the Ice Age Trail and the Great Pinery Heritage Waterway. These designations, coupled with infrastructure investments like a new mountain bike park and expanded gravel cycling routes, are positioning the region as a hub for outdoor activity.
“This recognition is the result of deep collaboration with so many partners,” said Tim White, executive director of Visit Wausau. “Our momentum is real—and it’s only growing. Outdoor recreation is no longer a side note. It’s our identity and our future.”
Featured image by Visit Wausau