SHEFFIELD, IOWA, U.S. — Emily Schmitt, general counsel of Sukup Manufacturing Co., was named to the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The initiative, which will include three task forces focusing on investing, growing and connecting rural Iowa, will identify needed legislative, regulatory and policy changes.

Schmitt will serve on the Growing Rural Iowa Taskforce, as well as the initiative’s executive committee. The focus of the Growing Rural Iowa Taskforce is leadership development and strategic development in rural communities.

“Sukup Manufacturing’s roots are in our rural Iowa community of Sheffield,” Schmitt said. “This is where my grandpa Eugene started the company in 1963 and it is our home. I am honored to serve alongside Lt. Governor Gregg and others from all around the state to discuss strategies that will grow our communities as vibrant places to work and live.”

The Growing Iowa Taskforce will hold its first meeting on Sept. 7 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.