4 Businesses Honored With Pocahontas County Economic Development Awards to Bring In 2025
4 businesses in Pocahontas County were honored this past weekend at the Annual Meeting for the Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission. This year, the commission expanded their awards slate to honor more businesses who were deserving due to their impact in the county. The winning businesses of the night were as follows:
Small Business of the Year: The Machine Shop (Pocahontas)
This business has played an integral part in our community for many years and continues to be incredibly busy fixing and maintaining equipment for people in and outside of our county. But this year this business went above and beyond to build 6 kaleidoscope bases for the county visioning committee. We not only have 6 life size scopes in the county, but he will be working to complete the rest of them in the future. These scopes have gained state recognition, and more are soon to come thanks to the hard word of this business.
Large Business of the Year: Dutchland Dairy (Rolfe)
This business was founded in the late 1990’s and is a multigenerational farm family who help make Iowa agriculture so special because this business and family are committed to their land, their livestock, and their community. This business has a commitment to innovation and focuses on ensuring that consumers can enjoy high-quality and delicious Iowa-raised dairy products. Next time you purchase Faribault cheese, cream cheese or sour cream, just remember this came from our great county of Pocahontas! In addition, they’ll also host school groups for field trips to educate them on the dairy production process.
Cornerstone Award: Wessels Oil (Palmer)
This business was started in 1938 by using five- gallon buckets to transfer gas products from tank wagons to barrels. The first pumping unit was purchased in 1943. In 1956 the family purchased the DX station in Palmer and in 1970 a propane bulk plant was built in Palmer. Over the years other bulk tanks were purchased in other towns and a new building was built in 1995 in Palmer. The family business has been passed down to the fourth generation. This business has continued as a family business and continues to be an ethical provider of petro energy products and services. Pocahontas County is pleased to honor Wessels Oil with the Pocahontas Cornerstone Award for 86 years in the county.
Spirit of Pocahontas Award: William & Wesley (Laurens)
The William & Wesley owners have an unwavering commitment to our community and dedication to volunteerism and make them truly deserving of this recognition. Their social media efforts not only highlight their own business but also shine a spotlight on others. Whether sharing special hours, promoting events, or encouraging visitors to explore other stores, their enthusiasm for collaboration is evident. Their ability to attract visitors from 30 miles away is helping Laurens become a true destination, benefiting every business in town. These owners are intentional about fostering growth and leading people in the county to help businesses thrive. Their contributions are true examples of what the Spirit of Pocahontas award means.
In addition to these business awards, three individuals were also honored at the meeting. Pat McNeive of Pocahontas State Bank received Boss of the Year; Parker Aden of the Pocahontas Chamber and Rialto Theatre received Young Professional of the Year; and Jeff Ives received the Service Award for his role as a long running County Supervisor.
Special thanks to the Pocahontas Record-Democrat for the award photo and for covering these award winners in the January 15th edition of the newspaper. We appreciate your dedication to local news for and sharing photos with us of this event!
