A packed dining hall at Hiawatha's Country Cabin last night, as 30-years of  the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development was commemorated.  The featured speaker, following the evening's meal, was Ron Wilson, Director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at K-State.  The host of the weekly “Kansas Profile” program, as heard each weekend on this radio station, Wilson gave a positive, and uplifting address regarding rural accomplishments, both local, and elsewhere, happening across the state(Play Audio 14 secs)             

Among the many in attendance was David Nachtigal, the outgoing president of HFED(Play Audio 26 secs)                          
Nachtigal oversaw the evening's brief board meeting, held as part of the annual meeting.   HFED success was recognized, as a list of economic development accomplishments was outlined during the session.  
Past President Sheila Schwalm explained an ongoing initiative to bring another new venture to Hiawatha, as negotiations have been underway with a medical use facility to locate to the local community(Play Audio 33 secs) During the board meeting, nominations, amounting to one, were accepted to replace Nachtigal as a board member, as his term comes to an end. 
The HFED members were unanimous in their decision to select Lonnie Pierce, of AHRS, to fill that position. 
Nachtigal will retain the gavel at the February meeting of HFED, until it's decided who will replace him as President of the Board.