FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Laurie Johns, Iowa Farm Bureau, (515) 225-5414

SCRANTON, IOWA MANUFACTURER OF ‘GREEN’ HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS WINS COVETED ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – April 23, 2009 –A Scranton, Iowa man with an idea for improving the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, turned his hard work and ingenuity into a thriving ‘green’ business with national and international clients. B&D Manufacturing is the recipient of the Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month Award from Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF).

Travis Warnke, vice president for sales and marketing at B&D, says his company “has come a long way since my father founded it and we’re thrilled with this honor from Farm Bureau and the direction our company is taking to thrive in this hectic economy.” B&D makes and services non-pressurized geothermal systems. Geothermal systems are being embraced as a ‘green’ heating and cooling system because they rely on water flow through pipes underground; it’s a more efficient means to heat or cool a room, or surface.

Since the company’s modest beginnings just nine years ago, B&D has grown from seven employees to 30 full-time employees. Those workers, all based in Scranton, assemble up to 200 geothermal machines a week and have seen an increase in business as more corporations seek out more environmentally-friendly, ‘green’ practices.

 “B&D Manufacturing is a great example of the impact that a good company and good business plan can have on a community,” said Sandy Ehrig, IFBF economic development administrator. The company brings revenue and much-needed, dependable jobs for their employees, who come from Scranton, Jefferson, Carroll, Perry, Coon Rapids, Lanesboro and Churdan. We are pleased to bring this honor to the Warnke’s, their company and their employees that make B&D Manufacturing a success,” said Ehrig.

About Iowa Farm Bureau The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

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