A member of the Perry Economic Development group was celebrated during a yearly event on Thursday.

The organization held its annual meeting at the Hotel Pattee Spring Valley Ballroom, where many individuals, representing different entities, spoke. Jeff Huitt, with Tri County Ag, was the Master of Ceremonies and invited several board members to the stage to review the 2024 year for the community of Perry. It was announced that Minburn Communications Chief Executive Officer Deb Lucht, who is also a board member for the Perry Economic Development, is retiring after 40 plus years with the company. Lucht credits the people that she’s met along the way for shaping her into the person she’s become.

“I don’t do what I do to get this, I do it because I know it’s the right thing to do. If I could impassion anyone else in this room that is just starting to get involved in the community is just to encourage you to step outside the comfort zone. When I walk into the room, I don’t want to leave without making a new friend, or making a new relationship.”

Following Lucht’s recognition, Board Member David Finneseth announced that Jeff Huitt will serve as the Executive Committee President, Jason Levan will be the Vice President, Darren Lindstrom will be the Treasurer, Eddie Diaz will act as Secretary, Scott Finneseth will be the Attorney, and the past President is Matt McDevitt. The program featured keynote speaker Sandy Ehrig, who retired after a 40-year career at the Iowa Farm Bureau and she highlighted 10 areas that lead to having successful communities. Huitt closed the meeting by thanking the board members for their dedication and said he’s anticipating a great year ahead.