Recognizing Entrepreneurial Spirit and Community Investment

The Iowa Area Development Group (IADG), in collaboration with its Rural Electric Cooperative partners, proudly honored three Iowa companies with the Iowa Venture Awards at a luncheon held in conjunction with the annual meetings of Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative and Corn Belt Power Cooperative.

One of the honorees of this legacy award is the Fairfield by Marriott, Sioux Center, nominated by North West Rural Electric Cooperative. The award celebrates the opening of the Fairfield hotel in Sioux Center and the dedication of developer Summer View Partners to expanding lodging opportunities and supporting economic growth in the region.

Construction of the Fairfield by Marriott Sioux Center began in 2023, and the hotel opened its doors in May 2024. Located on the scenic Ridge Golf Course, the hotel features 76 rooms, including 25 suites, a meeting room, a pool, and complimentary hot breakfast. Employing 22 team members, the hotel has quickly become a vital asset to the community.

Founded in 2001 by Henry Byl and Randy Vreugdenhil, Summer View Partners has grown into a successful hotel management company, now overseeing eight properties with 170 team members across Iowa and Minnesota. Their portfolio includes locations in Sioux Center, Sioux City, Spencer, Le Mars, and Worthington, MN. The company is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and contributing to the economic vitality of the communities it serves, as evidenced by the recent construction of the Fairfield by Marriott in Sioux Center.

The decision to build the Fairfield by Marriott in Sioux Center was strategically driven by the hotel’s proximity to The American State Bank Sports Complex, a major attraction drawing over 250,000 visitors annually. Summer View Partners recognized the need for additional lodging to accommodate these visitors, as well as attendees of business and college events.

Lyle Korver, CEO of North West Rural Electric Cooperative, nominated the project and expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “North West REC is proud to nominate the new Fairfield Inn in Sioux Center for a Venture Award this year. We want to congratulate Henry Byl and his team on adding this impressive new hotel facility. They continue to be an innovative and forward-looking development group, and as Sioux Center continues to grow, this group saw another opportunity to further expand the lodging opportunities in the area. On behalf of the board of directors and employees of North West REC, I want to congratulate Henry Byl and his team on being selected for a 2025 Venture Award.”

The new Fairfield by Marriott significantly enhances Sioux Center and the surrounding area, providing high-quality accommodations for visitors and supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations. “This award is a testament to the vision and dedication of Henry Byl, Randy Vreugdenhil, and the entire Summer View Partners team,” said Bruce Nuzum, President/CEO of Iowa Area Development Group. “Their commitment to community development and entrepreneurial spirit is truly commendable.”

This year marks the 36th year that IADG has presented Iowa Venture Awards to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa’s economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, and the creation of job opportunities. To date, 293 entities have received the Iowa Venture Award.