Iowa Manufacturing Leaders to Be Honored
September 11, 2025 | Download PDF
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and Elevate Iowa Manufacturing will recognize four manufacturing leaders on October 14, 2025, at its annual Legends in Manufacturing awards program, as part of ABI’s Iowa Manufacturing Conference.
The four Legends in Manufacturing awardees were nominated for their contributions to the manufacturing industry. The Legends selected this year represent what makes Iowa manufacturing special. The individuals have decades of leadership in their business, a strong commitment to community and educating the next generation.
The following individuals, companies and organizations are the 2025 Legends in Manufacturing awardees and will be recognized during lunch on October 14:
- Under 100 Employees: Bill Bywater, Economy Advertising Company (Iowa City)
- 100-300 Employees: Joe Carter, The MARSHALLTOWN Company (Marshalltown)
- 300+ Employees: R.W. and Mary Nelson, Kemin Industries (Des Moines)
- Manufacturing Champion: David Ottavianelli, John Deere (Ret.) (Quad Cities)
“Manufacturing is number one as it relates to our state’s GDP and contributes more than $43 billion to the state’s economy annually,” ABI President Nicole Crain said. “ABI was founded as a manufacturing organization, and it is fitting that we honor and recognize the founders and leaders of amazing Iowa companies. On behalf of the ABI Board of Directors and Elevate, we say thank you to these honorees for the outstanding contributions they make to our state.”
To learn more and view past award recipients, visit: https://www.iowaabi.org/elevate-iowa/legends-in-manufacturing-awards/. For more information about the Iowa Manufacturing Conference and a detailed agenda, visit www.iowaabi.org/abimfg.