Local economic development efforts were honored during a regional nonprofit's recent annual meeting.

The Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC), a technical-professional high school in Rathdrum offered for students in the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Lakeland school districts, and Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, were among the award winners at Inland Northwest Partners meeting.

Henderson, 90 and in his fifth term, received a Hometown Hero Award for finding ways to help businesses expand and attract new businesses to the area.

"Henderson is the epitome of a hometown hero," an INP press release states. "Known by many as 'the Energizer bunny,' he continues to serve as a mentor to younger politicians."

Henderson said it's the hometown folks who keep him motivated.

"It is so satisfying to do legislation that answers questions locally," he said. "It's common at the post office or the supermarket or the filling station that people will come up and say, 'We appreciate what you do. Thank you.' That's the reward."

Henderson was publisher of the former Post Falls Tribune, a Post Falls mayor and Kootenai County commissioner.

KTEC, which was built and equipped through a two-year tax levy in the three school districts, received a Partnership Award.

Ron Nilson, CEO of Ground Force Manufacturing and a key player in making KTEC a reality, accepted the award on behalf of the business and education partners.

The school offers dual enrollment credits and industrial certifications in automotive technology, computer repair, networking, construction trades, diesel technology, engineering design, health professions, hospitality and welding and metal fabrication.

The Hall of Fame Award went to Alex McGregor, president of the McGregor Company, a fertilizer and farm equipment dealer.