We’ve been recognizing many for their role in our 30-year history–along with the remarkable people who will lead our region into the next 30 years.
For this special anniversary, foundation leaders selected 30 people, organizations and businesses who they felt give a snapshot of all those who make southwest Minnesota a special place.
We will be sharing stories about these 30 for 30 throughout the remainder of our anniversary year. Our hope is that they will inspire all southwest Minnesotans to picture their role in keeping our communities strong and vibrant for years to come.
30 for 30
- Abdirizak (Zack) Mahboub, Willmar: Owner of West Central Interpreting Services, entrepreneur and community leader
- Action TrackChair, Marshall: Manufacturer of all terrain-wheel chairs, developed and owned by Tim and Donna Swenson
- Alex Carlson, Litchfield: Volunteer chair of the Litchfield Public School Foundation, community leader
- Ann Thompson, Milan: Volunteer for the Milan Community Foundation, owner of Billy Maple Tree’s, community leader and advocate
- Big Stone Arts Council: Began as a grassroots community effort to promote local assets through the arts
- Chad Harlander, Hutchinson: Director of the REACH Program, a supportive intervention started at Hutchinson High School
- Chant Singvonsa, Jackson: Owner at Wishy Washy Laudromat, Singvonsa Landscaping and others, blogger, speaker
- Chuck Koenigs, Benson: Longtime volunteer for the Benson Area Community Foundation, community leader and advocate
- Cynthia Huse, Madison: Founding volunteer chair of the Madison Community Foundation, community leader and advocate
- Eddie Becker, Glencoe: Teen entrepreneur, owns and operates Eddie’s Goat Milk Goods with his family
- Fey Industries, Edgerton: Innovative manufacturer and imprinter, family owned and operated for 50+ years
- Gary Papik, Luverne: President of Papik Motors, founder of LIFT (Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow), community leader
- Geoffrey and Leann Johnson, Windom: Farmers, community leaders, Keep It Growing℠ tenants
- Glenn Krog, Lake Benton: Farmer, founder of the Lake Benton Area Community foundation, Keep It Growing℠ donor
- Heartland Community Action Agency & Western Community Action: Merging to better serve families and work to eliminate poverty in their nine-county area
- Jennie-O Turkey Store, Willmar: Recognized industry leader for 70+ years with a commitment to giving back to the community
- Jodi Wambeke, Willmar: Coordinator for Early Childhood Family Programs at Willmar Public Schools and Willmar Early Childhood Initiative
- Judy Harder, Mountain Lake: Owner of Jubilee Fruits & Vegetables and Peacemeals, community leader and philanthropist
- Lisa Dinger, Luverne: Child Guide promoting student success and connecting students to activities at Luverne Elementary School
- Maria Guadalupe Parga Guillen, Worthington: Owner of Mini Market Lupita, entrepreneur and community leader
- Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL), Marshall: Dynamic leadership development program for agricultural and rural adult leaders
- Michelle Noriega, Marshall: Assistant Principal at Marshall Area Technical & Educational Center (MA-TEC)
- Nicholas Johnson, Canby: Administrator at the City of Canby, community leader
- Nobles County Integration Collaborative: Consortium of school districts promoting success and acceptance of cultural differences
- Prairie Holdings Group, Worthington: Agribusiness headquarters home to 25 agriculture and animal health companies
- Rob Thurston, Olivia: Volunteer chair of BIO Legacy Foundation, President at Thurston, Inc., community leader
- Sean (Xiong) Yang, Walnut Grove City: council member at City of Walnut Grove, community leader and advocate
- Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership’s Achieve Homeownership: Educates and empowers new home owners
- Tyler Gehrking, Willmar: Facilitator for Kandiyohi Creating Entrepreneurial Outcomes (KCEO) student program
- Vanessa Goodthunder, Morton: Community Language Leader at Dakota Wicohan, community leader and native youth advocate
We are grateful for the tremendous contributions these people, businesses and organizations make to the place we call “home.”