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Development Corporation presents business awards
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Noreen Rueckert, left, Green County Tourism director, received the 2015 Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award. She is shown with Mike Johnson, GCDC executive director. (Photo supplied)
MONROE - The Green County Development Corporation recognized outstanding community and business leaders at its annual dinner April 28 at Turner Hall. The evening concluded with a keynote speaker presenting ways in which communities can develop and plan for the future.

GCDC president and Blackhawk Technical College's Monroe Campus director Matt Urban welcomed attendees and recognized several key elected officials and community leaders.

Following the dinner, Mike Johnson, executive director of the Green County Development Corporation, discussed his vision for the organization and highlighted significant community and business successes in 2014. The presentation concluded with a short video promotional piece featuring business leaders focused on collaboration and growth in Green County.

The Outstanding Business of the Year was awarded to existing businesses that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the county's economic growth through innovation, job creation, new investment, and/or extraordinary long-time interest in supporting others in business. The award was presented to Precision Drive and Control of Monroe.

PDC has steadily grown for more than 30 years and has expanded in the area's economy through investment in additional businesses and services to better meet the needs of area customers, according to GCDC. The company saw a growth of their employee base to more than 100. The company also supports area non-profit organizations including the Green County Humane Society, United Way of Green County, Family Promise, Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation, Monroe Parks and Recreation Department and Juda Fire Department.

The Richard B. Schmied Leadership Award commemorates its namesake, who is remembered for the leader he was, and for the characteristics of leadership he exhibited. The winner of the award exemplifies the character of a "true leader."

Green County Tourism director Noreen Rueckert was named the 2015 RBS Leadership Award recipient. Rueckert has consistently exhibited incredible leadership qualities, GCDC said. In 2014, this was highlighted by her leadership in the successful orchestration of the 100th anniversary of Cheese Days. "Her expertise and dedication are absolutely invaluable to Green County and she has shown great vision in helping to shape and market Green County's businesses and communities," GCDC said in a news release.

Following the awards, Bob Miller, mayor of Monona and executive director of the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, spoke on how Monona has successfully grown and developed by successful planning and leadership.

The GCDC is a multi-jurisdictional economic development corporation that was formed to bring professional economic development expertise to its member communities to create a competitive advantage to spur job creation and new investments. For more information, visit www.GreenCounty EDC. com.