Le Mar’s Mitch Sabin Receives Vilsack Wallace Award from USDA Rural Development

Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa, today announced that Mitch Sabin, community programs specialist in the agency’s Le Mars, Iowa, office was selected as this month’s Vilsack Wallace award recipient for exceptional contributions to the USDA Rural Development mission.

The Vilsack-Wallace Award is given each month to a USDA Rural Development employee in Iowa who goes above and beyond their normal work duties to assist rural Iowans and USDA staff.

Sabin, whose career in public service has spanned more than 40 years, has created a lasting legacy that will impact lives in northwest Iowa for generations to come.

“You have become an expert in many things over the years and now you can include hospital financing on that list through your involvement in helping fund five hospitals for a total USDA Rural Development investment of more than $90 million,” Menner said.

This investment was leveraged with $61 million of local dollars to improve the health care industry and create much economic development in northwest Iowa.

“No matter the project size or scope, whether it is construction of a multi-million dollar hospital or equipment for a local fire department, you are dedicated to helping improve the quality of life in rural America,” Menner added.  “Thank you again for being such a wonderful public servant these past 42 years.”

USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa.  Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $3 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Iowa families.

USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities.  Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.

USDA Rural Development is working with rural communities to create jobs, expand opportunity, encourage innovation and build a strong foundation for the future. The agency currently administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility loan and grant programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents and farmers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.