LDJ Manufacturing of Pella received the Renew Rural Iowa entrepreneur of the month award recognizing the company for its entrepreneurial innovation, job creation and expansion.

Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) and Pella Cooperative Electric formally nominated LDJ Manufacturing to receive this honor. The award was sponsored by the Iowa Farm Bureau and was presented on June 19, 2012.

“LDJ is a wonderful example of local folks doing great things for the community,” said John Smith, CEO of Pella Cooperative Electric.  “From picnic tables to fuel trailers, LDJ Manufacturing has been a developer of new products and an innovator of product design.” 

At the core of this family business is Loren Van Wyk along with his wife Jean and sons Luke and Chad.  The company currently employs 68 people with growth projections for the future.  IADG and Pella Cooperative Electric have worked with Central Iowa Power Cooperative and other organizations to provide technical assistance and financial tools to develop the company.  The Cooperative also provides reliable, affordable electricity that enables LDJ Manufacturing to grow their operation.

Pictured above from left to right: Stan Eysink, Pella Cooperative Electric; Loren Van Wyk, LDJ Manufacturing; Jean Van Wyk, LDJ Manufacturing; Luke Van Wyk, LDJ Manufacturing; Sandy Ehrig, Renew Rural Iowa/Iowa Farm Bureau; Chad Van Wyk, LDJ Manufacturing.