Award established by Farm Credit East board of directors in conjunction with Bill Lipinski’s retirement

At Farm Credit East’s virtual customer meeting held on November 17, the financial cooperative announced the opening of nominations for its newly created Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award. This award was established by the Farm Credit East board of directors earlier this year 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.”

The Lipinski Rural Initiatives Award aims to recognize innovative and transformational efforts to revitalize rural communities in the Northeast. The 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 January 31, 2021. Visit FarmCreditEast.com/Rural to learn more or to submit a nomination.