Greg Raymo, Worthington, received the 2009 Southwest Initiative Foundation Award Regional entrepreneurs, artists and musicians showcased during event
Nearly 300 people from throughout southwest Minnesota gathered April 23 at Jackpot Junction in Morton to celebrate “What Matters Most,” this year’s Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) banquet.
The premiere of SWIF’s “What Matters Most” video featured three entrepreneurs – Roz Ewald, Cedar Crest Estates, Hutchinson; Cory Jensen, Country Enterprises, Lucan; and Dan Juhl, Juhl Wind, Windstock. The video, produced by entrepreneur Chris Davis of Famous Davis, Willmar, can be viewed online at www.swifoundation.org/newsevents.html.
Keynote speaker V.J. Smith, president of Life’s Great Moments of Brookings, South Dakota, and author of The Richest Man in Town, delivered a message about the importance of showing gratitude, building relationships and making a difference.
Greg Raymo of Worthington was named the 2009 recipient of the Southwest Initiative Foundation Award. The award recognizes someone who has made extraordinary contributions to SWIF and the region by demonstrating philanthropy, leadership, innovation and collaboration.
Raymo is a lifelong southwest Minnesota resident and currently serves as executive vice president of First State Bank Southwest in Worthington where he works tirelessly to improve businesses in the region, especially in assisting an increasingly diverse population of entrepreneurs. He partners with many of SWIF’s initiatives and serves his community, region and state in many leadership positions. He and his wife Barb have been donors to SWIF for more than 10 years and are Growing Home Circle Charter members.
Raymo received a framed print by internationally-acclaimed Minnesota photographer Jim Brandenburg, who directed that it be used solely for the SWIF Award. Raymo also received a $2,000 award to be granted to the southwest Minnesota program of his choice.
SWIF also hosted a talent showcase featuring regional musicians and artists. Photographer Elaine Hagen of Belview, stained glass artist Joan Hohenstein of Lake Benton, painter David Mngodo of Redwood Falls and wood carver Taylor Rossow of Lakefield displayed their work. The Great Plains String Quartet, Worthington; singer-songwriter Bruce Bednarchuk, Redwood Falls; and Jazz with Ross and Pete, Marshall; provided music during the event receptions and dinner.
For more information, visit www.swifoundation.org/newsevents.html or contact Sr. Communications Officer Janis Rannow at [email protected] or 800-594-9480.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship-building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $47 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 450 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which has created or retained more than 7,500 jobs. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.