Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Iowa Lakes Corridor 14th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon was held Wednesday January 29 at Clay County Events Center, with over 260 community representatives and leaders attending. Nominations for the annual Business Recognition awards in the categories of Young Professional, Entrepreneur, Small Business and Large Business are made by area business leaders and community members. Large Business Excellence was awarded to Spencer Hospital, and Small Business Excellence was awarded to Lakes News Shopper. Entrepeneur of the Year was awarded to Jeremy and Kelcey Morrison of Bonfire Web Co and Topog Coffeehouse, and Young Professional of the Year went to Ashley Jones of Spencer Hospital.

The Business Recognition Luncheon also featured Keynote Speaker Kyle Norris, Executive Dean at Iowa Lakes Community College

“Iowa Nice Guy” Scott Siepker shared his fresh take on Iowa Nice and how we can use it to our advantage in business and in collaboration.

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Board Chair Brad Beck of Beck Engineering also handed over the position to Nate Wittmack, President and COO at Ranco Fertiservice, Wittmack told Northwest Iowa Now the goals going forward to impact the Iowa Lakes Corridor.

Winners of this year’s Business Recognition awards are:

Young Professional of the Year – Ashley Jones, Spencer Hospital, Spencer
Entrepreneur of the Year – Jeremy & Kelcey Morrison, Bonfire Web Co & Topog Coffeehouse, Spirit Lake & Arnolds Park
Small Business Excellence – Lakes News Shopper, Spirit Lake
Large Business Excellence – Spencer Hospital, Spencer

Additional awards:

Project of the Year – Platinum Crush, LLC, Buena Vista County
Outstanding Leadership – Mayor Kenny Billings, Estherville

Four individuals were honored for their years of service on the Corridor board:

Tim Fairchild represented the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors from July 2018 until December 2024
Dr. Brian Lenzmeier represented Buena Vista University from June 2020 until December 2024
John Pluth represented the Emmet County Board of Supervisors from July 2018 until December 2024
Mike Porsch represented the City of Storm Lake from July 2018 until December 2024