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By Roger Boughton

Unsung Heroes

Unsung heroes are those who make a real difference in the shadows of the community.  They are those “special” heroes who make the non-profits hum, the charities flourish and the small businesses prosper.  You never read about them in the local newspaper or see them on television, but you benefit from their dedication to their work and their ability to make their contribution to the community and their neighbors lives a little better.

Today I share with you the story of not just one hero, but 19 heroes who make up the Hormel Foundation Board.  They come from all walks of life, live in the community and have the best interest of the community at heart. In their hands and hearts are big decisions and choices that change lives.

Two decisions that were made in the past few years that will pay large dividends in years to come are the new Austin Community Recreation Center/Austin YMCA and free tuition, books and fees through the Austin Assurance Scholarship Program at Riverland Community College for Austin High School and Pacelli Catholic High School Graduates.

Not only does a family save considerable money while their son or daughter attends the college free, but their son or daughter has an opportunity to build and develop a sought-after skill, such as nursing or  computer technology, and to explore other interests in 52 other skilled and transfer programs provided by the college.

The new  Austin Community Recreation Center, a partnership between the City of Austin and the Austin YMCA,  provides the community a safe, affordable, and healthy environment  to meet, play and exercise well into the future.

Who are these forward-thinking people who sit on the board?  They represent various organizations in the community and have the best interests of Austin at the top of their priorities.  They are Jeffrey Ettinger, the former CEO and President of the Hormel Food Company, Bonnie Rietz, a former Mayor of Austin, Roland Gentzler, former Hormel Foods Company Executive, Steve Rizzi, an attorney, Gema Alvarado-Guerrero, representing Parenting Resource Center,  Adenuga Atewologun, representing Riverland Community College, Diane Baker, Representing the Austin YMCA, Ann Bode, representing the Hormel Institute, Mark Ciota, representing  Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Austin, Tom Dankert, representing the City of Austin, Craig Johnson, an attorney, Michelle King an attorney, Randy Kramer, representing the Citizens of Austin, David Krenz, representing the Austin Public Schools, Molly Lanke, representing the United Way of Mower County, Richard Pavek, representing Cedar Valley Services, Larry Pfeil, representing Hormel Foods Corporation, James Snee, representing the Hormel Foods Company as Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, and Jeffrey Strickler, representing the Salvation Army of Austin.

These 19 individuals with various skills and backgrounds made two momentous decisions that are beginning to pay back significant dividends to the community this year.  Outsiders are looking at Austin as a good place to set down roots for their family while present members of the community are taking advantage of all that the community offers.   Some retirees are staying home rather than contemplating a move to one of the southern states for warmer weather.

Once we as a community, state and nation return to normalcy,  the changes taking place in the community will become even more noticeable.  Our hearts and minds will be nourished by a place exercise and a place to build a future by expanding our minds and building a skill.

Thank you to the members of the Hormel Foundation Board.