Celebrating Business Excellence at the Economic Impact Awards

Michael Foods plant manager, Tod Kinker receives the 2024 Warren County Business of the Year award from Eric and Leslie Held (left), owners of Bob’s Custom Trophies and award sponsor, alongside Rachel Fusco (right), WCEDC executive director.

Warren County is abuzz with pride following the prestigious Economic Impact Awards ceremony held at Simpson College's Principal Blackbox Theater on November 9, 2024. The event honored the remarkable contributions of local businesses to the county's economic vitality.

Rachel Fusco, WCEDC’s executive director, gives an overview of the organization’s activities and how they impacted the county in the last year.

Supervisor Darren Heater opened the event, highlighting new initiatives that promise continued growth and prosperity. The spotlight then shone bright on Sticks & Balls Indoor Golf & Bar, which received the Woman-Owned Business of the Year award, presented by Jay Byers. Deven Markley from the City of Carlisle presented the New Business of the Year award to Morning Glory Coffee, with Racheal Thompson, the owner, accepting the honor with pride.

Jay Byers (left), president of Simpson College, presented the Women-Owned Business Award to owner Crystal Inman (center) of Sticks and Balls Indoor Golf and Bar with Rachel Fusco (right), WCEDC executive director.

Racheal Thompson owner of Morning Glory Coffee in Carlisle accepts the New Business of the Year award. Deven Markley (left) city administrator for the City of Carlisle presented the nominees and was joined by WCEDC executive director Rachel Fusco (right) to present the award.

The excitement continued as Kelly Mitchell of DMACC Business Resources announced Murphy Tower as the recipient of the Innovation of the Year award, marking a significant achievement for the Carlisle-based company.

Stacie LoVan from the Greater Des Moines Partnership took to the podium to recognize Williams Machine Shop in Lacona with the Industrial/Manufacturer/Producer of the Year award, while Katie Lord of MidAmerican Energy highlighted the achievements of a smaller community, presenting Country Propane, Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Milo with the Top Business in a Community under 3,000 Population award. Owners Terry and Liz Davis accepted with gratitude.

Terry & Liz Davis with Country Propane in Milo won Top Business in a Small Community in the 2023 Warren County Economic Impact Awards. Katie Lord (left) with MidAmerican Energy presented the award and was joined by WCEDC executive director Rachel Fusco (right).

The ceremony culminated with the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Bob’s Custom Trophies. Owners Eric and Leslie Held proudly presented this top honor to Michael Foods. Tod Kinker, Plant Manager, accepted the award acknowledging the exceptional performance and contributions of his team.

Congratulations to all the honorees for setting the bar of business excellence in Warren County.