(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Keep Iowa Beautiful (KIB) Board of Directors has announced Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in Stanton and the Community of Manning were among the winners of the 2023 “Keep Iowa Beautiful Award.” KIB Executive Director Andy Frantz says “The Keep Iowa Beautiful award program recognizes exceptional people and organizations that have gone above and beyond to create stronger Iowa communities. Creating a stronger sense of pride in community improves the economic vitality and cultural climate where we live, work and raise a family.”

The Corporation Award was presented to FARMERS MUTUAL TELEPHONE COMPANY, for leading by example in connectivity, housing and community development in Stanton.

The Keep Iowa Beautiful Organization Award goes to the IOWA RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, for empowering rural communities and resource providers towards collaboration and positive change.

The Keep Iowa Beautiful Robert D. Ray Award of Excellence was won by the COMMUNITY OF MANNING, for fostering innovation, leadership, and pride in developing a vibrant community, and the COMMUNITY OF POCAHONTAS for building strong partnerships with community groups and businesses and enhancing Hometown Pride in the community.

The Keep Iowa Beautiful Donald F. Lamberti Hometown Pride Vision Award selected SCOTT SMITH for his longtime support and service to improving the quality of life in our state making Iowa’s communities better places to live and raise a family.