Marty Guthmiller has been selected for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution of volunteer service to the community. Guthmiller will be recognized by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad at ceremonies in Des Moines on February 21.
The Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame was established in 1989 by the Governor’s Office for Volunteerism to honor extraordinary Iowans who have freely given their precious time and talent in countless ways to benefit others. Coordination of this program shifted to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service in 2002.
According to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, being inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected are those who have forever changed their community, the state, the nation, or the world with their volunteer service and action.
Guthmiller’s volunteer work has included leadership in planning and overseeing the Phoenix Project, which involves the design and development, fundraising, and construction of the Hawkeye Center and the new Prairie Winds Event Center. In addition, in his role as Vice Chair of the Orange City Development Corporation, Guthmiller has been instrumental in attracting new business, including recruiting Pioneer Seed Corporation to locate and build a research center in Orange City.
“Through Marty’s leadership, the citizens of Orange City regained confidence and pride in the future of the community,” reports Orange City Mayor Les Douma. “His role on the Phoenix Project Task Force and the Development Corporation has been a visionary one, and his leadership helped secure the support needed for key initiatives in this community.”
Douma adds, “Marty’s problem-solving has forever changed the community of Orange City. His vision, inspiration, and tireless volunteer work have helped propel Orange City forward as a true ‘destination community’ in Northwest Iowa.”
Guthmiller is a native of Orange City. After working elsewhere, he returned to the community 17 years ago to serve as CEO of Orange City Area Health System. In addition to the Phoenix Project and the Development Corp., Guthmiller’s board leadership has included Community Health Partners, Northwest Iowa Dialysis Center, Orange City Area Health Foundation, Orange City Area Daycare Center, Northwestern College Board of Trustees, and the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation.