|
Frederick top volunteer; Winery ‘Best’ project impacting city
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 06, 2011
Main Street Iowa on Friday announced Becky Frederick for Volunteer of the Year for this city and the Brick Arch Winery for Best of the Best of projects that impacted West Branch.
Main Street West Branch Program Director Rod Ness was also recognized for two years of service to the organization.
At an April 1 MSI awards celebration in Des Moines, marking the state program’s 25th anniversary, MSWB earned the three awards in its fourth year of existence.
“It was very much an honor,” Frederick said after receiving her award from Gov. Terry Branstad. “(Receiving the award from the governor) just adds a little more extra-special touch to the moment.”
Frederick has been involved with MSWB for four years and has served as president for the last year and a half.
“I’m humbled to be part of the volunteer system that I think of as ‘paying it forward,’” she said. “We’re able to do things for the community for everyone to enjoy.”
The Brick Arch Winery, which was estimated to cost about $946,900, received a $500,000 I-JOBS grant through MSWB, and it was the value of the investment by owners John McNutt and Ilene Lande that earned the recognition, Ness said.
“The fact that investors looked at our community and made the ultimate decision, one in which they found an environment that makes them confident they can have a successful and prosperous business — that is a challenge for all of us to build on that,” Ness said. “It acknowledges that this is a community worth investing in.”
When asked about his award, Ness framed his comments in the context of the entire organization.
“Recognition like this can only be accomplished if (organizations) have a community that supports the program like Main Street communities,” he said.
Ness said the awards reflect the work and many volunteer hours of MSWB.
“Main Street has made a substantial contribution to our community, and that is what we want to build upon,” he said.
There are currently 45 Main Street communities in Iowa. The program began in 1985 during one of Branstad’s previous terms as governor.
“I am proud to have proposed bringing Main Street as an economic development program to our state,” he said in a statement, which notes Main Street groups tracked $1 billion in private investments during that time. “Little did we realize what a profound impact this program would have on our state.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
