As a regional economic development association hosts its annual meeting in Providence this week, a Rhode Island entrepreneurial initiative was honored Monday as the program of the year.

The Northeastern Economic Developers Association –– which has provided education and resources to its members since 1956 –– honored the R.I. Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Known as RI-CIE and led by director Brendan McNally, the center is a collaboration between Brown University and the state’s Economic Development Corporation.