"The Ridge" Char-Mac Senior-living/ALP (The Ridge), of Holstein, Iowa, received the 2012 Venture Award recognizing the company for its expansion and contribution to Iowa's economy. Iowa Association of Business & Industry President Mike Ralston presented the award on behalf of the Iowa Area Development Group L.C., (IADG). Pictured left to right: Raymond Drey, North West Rural Electric Cooperative (NWREC); Alan Lucken, Vice President, NWREC; Shirley Benson, NWREC; Mike Ralston; Jeanine and Stan Chartier, Owners, The Ridge; Gerald Klemme, Secretary, NWREC; Charles Rohlf, Treasurer, NWREC; Jeff Rehder, President, NWREC; and Rand Fisher, President, IADG.

Icon Ag & Turf, of Le Mars, Iowa, received the 2011 Venture Award recognizing the company for its expansion and contribution to Iowa's economy. Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham presented the award on behalf of the Iowa Area Development Group L.C., (IADG). Pictured left to right: Rand Fisher, President, IADG; Tom Wagner and Steve Brown, Directors, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Joel Orthmann, President, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Debi Durham, Director, IEDA; Adam Timmerman, General Manager, Icon Ag & Turf; Lyle Korver, CEO, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Alan Lucken, Vice President, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Lee Grage, Director North West Rural Electric Cooperative; and Gerald Klemme, Secretary, North West Rural Electric Cooperative.

Platinum Ethanol, of Arthur, Iowa, received the 2009 "Outstanding Business of the Year" Venture Award in recognition of outstanding business achievement in Iowa. Iowa USDA Rural Development Director, Bill Menner, presented the award on behalf of the Iowa Area Development Group L.C., (IADG). Rand Fisher, IADG President, said "the company's new Iowa facility is testament to vision, innovation, and courage. Platinum Ethanol investors and this project are helping Iowa continue to lead the nation in alternative fuel production and greater energy independence and security for our country." Pictured left to right: Bill Menner; Alan Lucken, Charlie Rohlf, Lyle Korver, CEO, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Cindy March, Controller, Platinum Ethanol; Nick Bowdish, Plant Manager, Platinum Ethanol; Joel Orthmann, President, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; Gerald Klemme, Kenneth Bower, and Tom Wagner, North West Rural Electric Cooperative; and Rand Fisher.