-Submitted photo
From left are Rand Fisher, Lisa Shimkat and Bruce Nuzum of the Iowa Area Development Group at the recent Iowa Rural Summit at which Shimkat received an award named after Fisher, the longtime director of the Iowa Area Development Group.

The eighth annual Iowa Rural Summit included a special recognition of six rural leaders, including Lisa Shimkat, of Fort Dodge.

Shimkat was honored for her leadership of Iowa’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network and her statewide commitment to economic development.

The Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award, sponsored by the IADG Community Foundation, recognizes individuals in rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts and utilities. The honorees are nominated by friends, colleagues, or anyone who values their contributions to rural places. The final selection is by an IRDC screening committee.

Shimkat was cited for her role directing the 15 locations across the state that provide business counseling for entrepreneurs in all areas of starting, operating, and expanding a business. In addition, she has also served on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board since May 2019 and is serving her third term on America’s Small Business Development Center National Association Board and is currently the acting board chair.

“Lisa is one of the best-known leaders in rural Iowa and the work she does affects small businesses, rural communities and the people who live there,” said Mark Reinig, IRDC board president. “She’s a perfect example of how a leader can make a huge difference.”