Our Fiscal Year 2014 ends Monday, so we’d like to share a special tribute to our retiring board member Jim Keul.
Throughout his service to Southwest Initiative Foundation, Jim represented a number of southwest Minnesota communities, including Slayton, Tracy and Jackson. Using his strong business acumen and background in rural economic development, Jim has thoughtfully balanced local realities with a regional vision.
Jim served on the board for six years from 2008-2014. He served on the Loan Committee helping SWIF support many businesses, as well as the Finance and Audit Committee where he helped strengthen SWIF as an organization.
During that time, Jim’s professional experience—including media and marketing expertise—helped guide SWIF’s rebranding process, a significant, board-led effort to refresh our messages and reach more people.
As a veteran himself, Jim served as a volunteer medic for Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota and advocated continued SWIF support for this special opportunity to recognize and thank our region’s veterans. Traveling together as guardians on the same flight was a privilege for me—and Jim was the reason behind a VERY special personal connection I made with a veteran and old family friend.
It’s so hard to put into words what Jim brings to SWIF as a leader. His funny one-liners in person and in emails bring smiles to our faces. And, Jim is incredibly supportive, interacting with me, our board, our staff, our donors and our partners in very meaningful ways.
Friendships are important to Jim—and I, along with our entire SWIF board and staff, are honored to call him our friend!
Thank you, Jim!
