Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw honored at State Fair

Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw

Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw, founders and owners of Kinze Manufacturing, were awarded the Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Friends of Extension Award at the 2009 Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on August 22.  The Kinzenbaws were named a Friend of Extension for their outstanding contributions and support of Extension programs and its mission at the local, area and state level.
 
Jon and Marcia have shown continued leadership and support of programming, delivery, and administration of Extension efforts in many ways.  They have been lifelong supporters of Iowa County Extension, the Iowa County 4-H program, and Iowa State University.  Each year, they sponsor all the 4-H communication event awards, numerous livestock trophies, and support the 4-H livestock sale.  Over the years, several Kinze employees have served on the Extension Council, 4-H Council, and as 4-H leaders.
 
The Kinzenbaws created their own Kinze award for small engine, tractor, and welding projects at the Iowa County Fair and, as a result, have significantly increased the number and quality of small engine, tractor, and welding exhibits.  In addition, they created a Professorship at Iowa State University in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department in 2007.
  
Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw started their small welding shop in Ladora in 1965. Over the years, Kinze Manufacturing has grown into the largest, privately owned agricultural equipment manufacturer in the United States. Kinze employs over 500 individuals and its products are sold in 20 countries.
The award was presented by the Alpha Mu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi and Iowa State University Extension during a ceremony on August 22, 2009 at the Iowa State Fair.