Shomo-Madsen Insurance recognized nationally

Shomo-Madsen Insurance of Marshalltown has been named a Leading Partner by EMC Insurance Companies, which means the agency is one of the highest-performing EMC agencies in the country. This designation places the agency in the top 20 percent of all EMC agencies nationally.

The Leading Partner award is based on key indicators including retention, profitability and growth, which are reviewed over a three-year period.

Nilius joins United Bank & Trust

United Bank & Trust welcomes Erik Nilius, the new First Point Wealth Management Advisor, to the organization. Nilius is an Ankeny native and a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He has more than seven years of financial and investment experience and currently holds the Series 7 and 66 licenses and the State of Iowa Life Insurance License.

Nilius comes from Edward Jones Investments in Ankeny where he was a financial advisor. He will be managing United Bank & Trust’s financial management and trust account relationships.

Nilius has been involved in the Boone Kiwanis Club, Ankeny Christian Academy Assistant High School basketball coach and Community Baptist Church member. He, his wife, and two children are currently in the process of moving to Marshalltown.

Curt Hoff, president at United Bank & Trust, said, “Nilius is a natural relationship builder with a great attitude. I know that Erik is excited to be working around a great team and we’re certainly appreciative of his expertise.”

United Bank & Trust and First Point Wealth Management provide financial planning, investment management and trust services tailored for every situation and every life stage.

Grundy County REC moves into new facility

GRUNDY CENTER — Now located in a new headquarters facility complete with up-to-date technology and modern functionality, Grundy County REC is ready for the cooperative’s ninth decade of service to members.

With an offer from the neighboring Grundy County Memorial Hospital to buy Grundy County REC’s building and grounds, the Grundy County REC board of directors approved the sale of the cooperative’s original facility in October 2015. The board then began plans for a new facility in the Grundy Center Development Park on the north side of town. The decision was made shortly after current Executive Vice President and General Manager Vicki Daily was hired.

Built in 1952, the cooperative’s former headquarters had gone through several additions and renovations over the years. Planning and construction of the new facility took approximately a year to complete. Grundy County REC purchased land in the Grundy Center Development Park, a location that allows the co-op to provide electricity to itself.

The 15,000-square-foot facility includes a boardroom, seven offices, a breakroom, file room, vault, restrooms and an information technology room. The warehouse includes three bays for large trucks and six bays for smaller vehicles, a cold storage area, a breakroom and restrooms. Energy efficiency was at top of mind in the planning process.

The new location will allow the cooperative to locate its pole yard next to the new facility.

Personnel moved into the new building Jan. 25. Landscaping work will be finished this spring.

The cooperative will hold an open house celebration from 3-5 p.m. on March 30. Tours and refreshments will be available, with a ribbon cutting scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The new headquarters is located at 303 North Park Ave., Grundy Center.

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