AMES, Iowa — Last week’s sixth annual Iowa Rural Summit included a special recognition of “rural heroes,” and Minburn Communications CEO Debra Lucht was one of seven individuals honored at the special ceremony and reception at Iowa State University.
The Rural Summit brings together leaders from small towns across Iowa each year, and this year’s event included a special tribute to a group of individuals who have made a difference in their rural community or region. The event also recognized the contributions of Rand Fisher, the recently retired Iowa Area Development Group CEO.
The Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award, sponsored by the IADG Community Foundation, recognized individuals in the rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts and utilities.
“Debra was selected for her impact in Minburn, Perry, Dallas County and beyond,” said Mark Reinig, board chairman of the Iowa Rural Development Council, which hosts the annual Rural Summit. “Her work shows how small towns can thrive through great leadership and innovative projects — like providing high-speed, future-ready broadband to rural residents.”
More than 360 individuals from 70 different small towns, including Minburn and Perry, attended the Iowa Rural Summit, addressing issues ranging from ag tech innovation to arts and culture to entrepreneurship.
Other “rural hero” honorees included Mickey Anderson of Stanton, Chris Deal of Jefferson, Maureen Elbert of Algona, Joe Sorenson of Des Moines and Jim and Julie Vermeer of Spencer.
