For more information:
Jori Wade-Booth, Communications & Marketing Manager
Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area
jwadebooth@silosandsmokestacks.org
Office: 319.234.4567; Cell: 319.404.1311

WATERLOO, Iowa (November 10, 2025) – Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area (SSNHA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Golden Silo Awards, honoring outstanding contributions to preserving and sharing America’s agricultural story.

Presented during the Golden Silo Awards Luncheon on Nov. 6, these awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication and vision have strengthened the mission of the Heritage Area.

“The Golden Silo Awards honor those who bring our mission to life every day,” said SSNHA Executive Director Cara Miller. “Through their creativity, collaboration, and commitment, this year’s honorees have strengthened the connection between people, place, and the enduring story of American agriculture.”

  • Outstanding Heritage Area Site
    George Maier Rural Heritage Center, Elkader
    The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Heritage Area Site recognizes a Heritage Area Site that demonstrates excellence in interpreting the story of American agriculture. George Maier Rural Heritage Center exemplifies this commitment through authentic storytelling, community engagement, and preservation of rural life and tradition.
  • Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture
    Amana Heritage Society, Amana Colonies
    The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture honors an individual, organization, project, business, agency, or local government that has shown extraordinary effort in preserving the icons of American agriculture. Amana Heritage Society continues to protect and promote the living history of communal agriculture and craftsmanship that define the Amana Colonies.
  • Rose Rohr Outstanding Volunteer
    Henry Corbin
    The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Volunteer recognizes an individual who has given tirelessly to Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area. Named in honor of longtime volunteer Rose Rohr, this award celebrates Henry Corbin’s dedication, countless hours of service, and unwavering support for heritage area sites and programming.
  • Outstanding Partner
    Farmers State Bank, Waterloo
    The Golden Silo Award for Outstanding Partner honors an organization, institution, or individual who has shown exceptional support and collaboration with SSNHA. Farmers State Bank’s ongoing partnership and commitment to Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival have made a lasting impact on the success of the annual event.
  • Alan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary
    Reeve REA Power Generating Plant, Hampton
    The Golden Silo Award for the Alan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary honors those who have demonstrated sustained support for the Heritage Area for more than five years, creating a legacy in heritage development that has made all the difference. Named for Alan Hutchings of the National Park Service, whose vision was instrumental in the creation of SSNHA, this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the award. The Reeve REA Power Generating Plant embodies this spirit through long-term commitment to the site’s designation as National Historic Landmark.

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 62 federally designated National Heritage Areas in the nation, telling the story of American agriculture—past, present, and future. Partnering with more than 100 sites across northeast Iowa, SSNHA connects visitors to the people, places, and stories that make up the rich agricultural heritage of the region.

For more information, visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org.

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Henry Corbin, winner Golden Silo for Rose Rohr Outstanding Volunteer: From left to right, Henry Corbin, SSNHA Board of Trustees; and Kevin Blanshan, Chair, SSNHA Board of Trustees.
George Maier Rural Heritage Center, winner Golden Silo for Outstanding Heritage Area Site: From left to right, Kevin Blanshan, Chair, SSNHA Board of Trustees; Tom Chandler and Roger Thomas, George Maier Rural Heritage Center.
Amana Heritage Society, winner Golden Silo for Outstanding Preservation in Agriculture: From left to right, Rebecca Simpson and Jon Childers, Amana Heritage Society; and Kevin Blanshan, Chair, SSNHA Board of Trustees.
Farmers State Bank, winner Golden Silo for Outstanding Partner: From left to right, Tina Hogan and Mindy Hendrickson, Farmers State Bank; and Kevin Blanshan, Chair, SSNHA Board of Trustees.
Reeve REA Power Generating Plant, winner Golden Silo for Alan Hutchings Outstanding Visionary: From left to right, Jim Davies, Darwin Meyers, and Rick Whalen, Franklin County Historical Society; and Kevin Blanshan, Chair, SSNHA Board of Trustees.