Each year since 1989, Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) and its electric cooperative members have recognized the entrepreneurial spirit and capital investment of growing businesses and the leadership of organizations that support Iowa’s rural economy.
With a new presentation format, three of this year’s Iowa Venture Award recipients were honored in early April in conjunction with the annual meetings of Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative (Corn Belt Power). These winners join an impressive list of 293 entities who have been honored with this distinguished award.
Phil Dornbier Trucking, Inc.
Nominated by Prairie Energy Cooperative (PECO)
Founded in 2004 by Phillip and Michelle Dornbier, Phil Dornbier Trucking started at home. As the company grew, it expanded to a commercial space in downtown Garner in 2018. However, the Dornbiers knew the next step in their vision was to build a dedicated facility for their operations and acquired land in Garner’s Touchstone Energy Park in December 2023. The new headquarters was designed to consolidate the firm’s operations under one roof and support their growing team and fleet. This modern facility, completed in 2025, features updated offices, an in-house repair shop and a wash bay as well as an area dedicated to drivers during their rest breaks.
To help this growing business, PECO and their power provider, Corn Belt Power, teamed up and utilized the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan Program to provide financial backing.
Fairfield by Marriott Sioux Center
Nominated by North West Rural Electric Cooperative
Founded in 2001 by Henry Byl and Randy Vreugdenhil, Summer View Partners has grown into a successful hotel management company, now overseeing eight properties with 170 team members across Iowa and Minnesota. The company was nominated for their commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and contributing to the economic vitality as part of the recent construction of the Fairfield by Marriott in Sioux Center. This 76-room hotel features meeting rooms, a wellness center and pool.
The new hotel, which opened in May 2024, significantly enhances Sioux Center and the surrounding area, providing high-quality accommodations for visitors and supporting local businesses, schools and organizations.
North West REC installed Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations as part of its infrastructure support for the facility.
Iowa Central Community College – Storm Lake
Nominated by Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
Established in 1966, Iowa Central Community College (ICCC) is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to residents throughout the region. ICCC has grown to serve communities across Fort Dodge, Storm Lake and Webster City, with five campus locations. With 85% of students staying in the region after taking classes and training, ICCC provides vital support to businesses throughout the region.
ICCC was recognized for both their vision and the accomplishment of constructing a new $10 million, 24,000-square-foot state-of-the-art learning center in Storm Lake. The new learning center has become a vibrant hub for both education and workforce skills development. It prominently features ICCC’s advanced nursing program. The facility also hosts a daytime career academy for high school students, evening adult literacy programs and has future growth plans for welding and electrical trades training.
Leveraging the USDA Rural Development Grant and Loan Program, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative sponsored two successful applications to help secure $2.3 million in low-interest funding, which helped the center become a reality.
Honoring the winners
A video dedicated to each of these recipients can be found as part of IADG’s Venture Award Hall of Fame at www.iadg.com/hall-of-fame.
As part of the award’s new format, IADG will present one additional Venture Award at an annual meeting later this year.
