DES MOINES, IOWA, U.S. — The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), on behalf of Iowa’s rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and independent telecommunication companies, honored seven Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Award at a luncheon held in conjunction with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting at the Sheraton West Des Moines.

The Bratney Companies was recognized for continued growth and commitment to Iowa. It’s most recent expansion is the creation of a manufacturing division resulting in the construction of a new 12,000-square-foot fabrication facility located on a 6-acre plot in the Marshalltown Gateway Centre, IADG said. Bratney Companies is comprised of three separate companies, two Iowa, U.S.-based and one based in California, U.S. These three related companies work collaboratively to build facilities and provide equipment to companies in the seed, grain, whole foods, and animal feed industries.  The company is family owned and has three generations of family members serving on the board of directors. Bratney Companies was nominated for the Iowa Venture Award by Consumers Energy.

“The Iowa Venture Awards Luncheon provides a forum to celebrate the courage, contribution, innovation responsibility and vision of Iowa entrepreneurs,” said Rand Fisher, president of IADG. “IADG, on behalf of our sponsors, is proud to recognize these seven outstanding companies for their contribution to their community, region and state.”

Five additional businesses were recognized with an Iowa Venture Award for their significant contributions in diversifying and strengthening Iowa’s economy. These 2016 Iowa Venture Award recipients include: Christensen Farms & Feedlots, Inc. of Garner; Concrete Machinery Inc. of Iowa in Paton; Great Lakes Communication Corp. of Spencer; Maassen Dairy Farms of Maurice; and Mogler Farms/Pig Hill West of Alvord. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Bill Northey, assisted in presenting the Iowa Venture Awards and honoring the Iowa companies and their leaders.

For 29 years, IADG has presented Iowa Venture Awards to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa's economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and the creation of job opportunities. History has demonstrated that these are among the most accomplished and successful companies in the state, IADG said. Together the companies are helping to sustain and grow Iowa’s economy.