Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award recognize innovative efforts to revitalize Northeast rural communities

Last fall, Farm Credit East announced the opening of nominations for its newly created Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award. In honor of former CEO Bill Lipinski, the Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award aims to recognize innovative and transformational efforts to revitalize Northeast rural communities. The nomination deadline for this inaugural award has been extended to February 15, 2021.

The Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award will reward programs, projects, individuals, businesses, organizations and/or institutions that create jobs in rural areas of the Northeast; contribute to the quality of life in rural communities; or enhance rural infrastructure, such as community facilities and broadband, necessary for strong rural economies.

In the program’s first year, Farm Credit East has designated $25,000 and the association’s strategic partner CoBank has agreed to match those funds, making $50,000 available to distribute to innovative initiatives. Nominations must be received by February 15, 2021. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/Rural to learn more or to submit a nomination.

The Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award was established by the Farm Credit East board of directors in 2020 in conjunction with Bill Lipinski’s retirement as CEO to recognize Lipinski’s 25 years as CEO and 40 years of service to Farm Credit East and related organizations. “Bill understood that the long-term success of Farm Credit customers depends on not only the vitality of their individual businesses, but also on the health of the rural communities where they are based,” said board chair Laurie Griffen. “We created this award in Bill’s honor to grow Farm Credit East’s support of rural communities.”