Vision Awards
Celebrating Entrepreneurship
The Vision Awards celebrate entrepreneurship in the 10–county region served by Indian Hills Community College. Our area has produced many great entrepreneurs, involved in highly successful ventures, over the years. We are asking you to help us publicly congratulate them for what they have accomplished and continue to do for our region.
Four area entrepreneurs and two local businesses were honored at Indian Hills Second Annual Vision Awards on April 25, 2013. All of the individuals and businesses selected are great examples of the entrepreneurial spirit that can be found right here in southeast Iowa.
2013 Vision Award Recipients
Business of the Year
Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., of Fairfield, Iowa, has been established in the financial services industry for more than 30 years and, in recent years, has experienced phenomenal growth bringing hundreds of jobs to their home office in Fairfield.
New Business of the Year
The Little Bake Shop is owned by Melissa Little. This business began in Little’s home and expanded into a storefront in downtown Ottumwa last year. In fact, while still located in downtown Ottumwa, the shop has already had to move into a larger location.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year
Mitch Goudy, a senior at Fairfield High School, is the owner and operator of MTG DJ Services, LLC. Goudy’s business has grown to the point where he now has a partner and, at times, has to hire others because of multiple bookings on the same day.
Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year
Holly Berndt, is a business teacher in the Wayne (Corydon) Community Schools. In one of her courses, Berndt has students work at various businesses in the community, thus learning what it takes for small businesses to be successful.
Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year
Josh Bear of Derby, Iowa, is a graduate of the college’s Automotive Technology program, and owns a full–service automobile repair business called Kar Knuts. Bear has gained a reputation for the top quality and honesty that he provides in his business.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Joe Crookham, president and principal owner of Musco Lighting of Oskaloosa, Iowa, was honored for his long–time entrepreneurial efforts. Musco has employees based in 10 countries around the world and sells lighting for projects in 50–60 countries per year.
Meet all our Vision Award Recipients
Vision Awards Ceremony
Featured Speaker
Richard Longworth
Richard C. Longworth is an Iowa native, graduate of Northwestern University, and a senior fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He is the author of the book, Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism, a book that describes the impact of globalization on the Midwest.
He writes and hosts the blog, The Midwesterner: Blogging the Global Midwest, on behalf of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Longworth is also the author of Global Squeeze, one of the first books on globalization, and of a MacArthur Foundation report, "Global Chicago," which led to the foundation of the Global Chicago Center.
Details
Thursday, April 25, 2013, 6:00 p.m.
(Cocktail hour from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
The Hills Diner, Indian Hills Community College, Main Campus (Ottumwa)
Registration Options
Individual Registration: $49 | Table for Four: $175 | Table for Eight: $350
For more information, please contact Tish Reck at (641) 683-5170 or