Governor's Office of Economic Development
For Immediate Release:  April 17, 2003
Contact:  Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

Excellence in Economic Development Award Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer

     (Pierre) – Governor Mike Rounds recognized Virgil Musch of Lennox as the winner of the 2003 Excellence in Economic Development Award, an award designed to honor an outstanding volunteer in the area of economic development.  The award was made at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference held April 16 in Pierre.

     “Virg has been active in economic development in the Lennox area for nearly 20 years,” Rounds said. “To give you an example of the extent of his involvement, Virg has served as president of the development corporation for the last 11 years,” Rounds added.

     Under Musch’s direction, the Lennox group secured a 20-acre parcel for an industrial park, brought in utilities and built a 10,000 square foot facility. When the community became restless, Virg stood firm in his belief and vision for what an industrial park can do for a community.

     In the last 12 months, Lennox has realized tremendous success. Some of the highlights are:  completed the equity drive on the 45 million gallon Great Plains Ethanol Plant and secured free rent for the staff during its equity drive; contacted investors about leasing vacant space for a Community Fitness Center; convinced the board to pledge money to help keep open the local café; helped secure space for Nebraska Harvestore Systems; spent hundreds of hours bringing Sioux Steel and Ware Manufacturing to town.

     “Virg understands long-term economic development in a way many volunteers don’t. In addition to encouraging industrial recruitment, Virg has been a strong advocate for service and retail business on Main Street,” Rounds said. “Virg has worked hard to get the community involved in economic development and his efforts have really paid off,” Rounds concluded.

     In addition to Musch’s individual award, the Lennox Area Development Corporation will also receive a $2,000 check to be used for a community project.

     Musch was one of six regional winners recognized by Rounds at the conference. Other regional winners include:

Region 1:            Scott Ramsdell, Flandreau
Region 2:            Musch
Region 3:            Craig Dodds, White Lake
Region 4             Helen Miller (posthumously), Aberdeen
Region 5             Margaret Lindskov, Isabel
Region 6             Tony Westberg, Whitewood

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