Winneshiek County Development recognizes five businesses and organizations

WCDI Board President Ron Stoskopf with Tri-Tech employees Brit Eddy, Terry Barry, Tami Brincks and Karla Hageman.

The businesses and organizations honored Monday by Winneshiek County Development are a wide cross-section of the county.

The organization gave "Impact Awards" to Tri-Tech Software Systems, Pinter's Gardens & Pumpkins and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission, the "Pioneer Award" to ArtHaus and the "Sustainability Award" to Luther College.

TriTech Software Systems was recognized for its significant impact on the local economy.  The Decorah office has been hiring staff in multiple departments, adding 11 positions in 2011 and planning to add more positions in 2012. The two-year increase in employees represents an estimated 50% increase in Decorah office staff. In addition to new software developer, support technician and sales positions, about 15 percent of the Decorah personnel received promotions in 2011.

Pinter's Gardens and Pumpkins has also seen significant expansion since opening its new retail store on Highway 9 in April of 2011, going from five full-time and two part-time employees to 11 full time and five part-time employees.

Upper Explorerland was recognized for moving its administrative offices to Decorah, while maintaining a work office in Postville.  The agency has brought in over $176 million in grants for Northeast Iowa since 1972.

ArtHaus was recognized for its impact on the fine arts.  The non-profit art center offers community arts events such as live music, art fairs, poetry slams, gallery openings and more.  Last year ArtHaus employed about 65 independent contractors to perform or teach classes.

Luther College was recognized for its commitment to sustainability.  Luther uses geothermal to both heat and cool two of the facilities on campus; built a 1.6 megawatt wind turbine, which produces power equaling one-third of Luther's annual consumption; buys about 17 percent of its food locally; operates a student-run organic garden and has hybrids and biodiesel vehicles in its fleet.  The college is also currently fundraising to endow a "Center of Sustainable Communitie."

(Left to right): WCDI's Ron Stoskopf, Elisa and Shane Pinter and WCDI Exectuvie Director Randy Uhl

Upper (Left to right): WCDI's Ron Stoskopf, Fern Rissman of Iowa Works, Upper Explorerland's Rachelle Howe and WCDI's Randy Uhl

Leah Donhowe and Kristen Underwood from ArtHaus

(Left to right): WCDI's Ron Stoskopf, Luther College President Rick Torgerson, WCDI's Randy Uhl