Kirk Grau Innovation Award Presented to O’Brien County Business at NWID Partner Meeting
Pictured: Phil Hager, Sibley Super Foods Manager and Kiana Johnson, OCEDC Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Kiana L. Johnson
O’Brien County Economic Development Corporation
Ph.: 712.957.1313
Fax: 712.957.3015
Primghar, Iowa, September 16, 2024 – Since 2014, the Kirk Grau Northwest Iowa Business/Organization Innovation Award has been presented at the Northwest Iowa Development Annual Partner Meeting to a business or organization demonstrating innovation or innovative strategy. The areas of innovation under consideration are workforce development, product marketing or product development, new technology development or application of technology organizational development, project financing or other similar examples of new, creative and successful strategy.
Receiving the award this year was Casey & Julie Connor of Ace Market LLC, owners of Fiesta Foods in Hartley. The Connors purchased Fiesta Foods in 2021, at which time they owned grocery stores in Lake Mills and Northwood. Since then, they have also purchased stores in Sibley and Elkader. Casey & Julie have shown innovation by developing a system to transport goods to the five stores with their own trucks and trailers, working with local stores to deliver supplies, networking with other local grocers and increasing products and services. Casey also has a succession plan for each store and is willing to invest in and train managers who want to own their own stores.
NWID Board Member Kiana Johnson, who submitted the nomination for Ace Market LLC, stated she personally knew Kirk Grau and witnessed first-hand the innovative contributions he made to both NWID and the Osceola County Economic Development Commission. Ms. Johnson said she believes the Connors are especially deserving of this award, adding that Casey is very passionate about promoting local businesses and hometown pride.
The Northwest Iowa Partners Meeting is held the first Friday in September with award nominations due in early July. For more information, contact Kiana Johnson, O’Brien County Economic Development at 712.957.1313 or e-mail ocedc@tcaexpress.net .
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