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Marker 126 receives Iowa Venture Award

-Submitted photo
Kevin and Sheila Stumpf, owners of Marker 126 travel center received the Iowa Venture Award from the Iowa Area Development Group on Thursday. From left are: Bruce Nuzum, president/CEO of IADG; Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority; Tim Marienau, CEO of Prairie Energy Cooperative; Sheila Stumpf; Kevin Stumpf; Todd Foss, Prairie Energy Cooperative.

A new travel center just outside Fort Dodge on U.S. Highway 20 is already bringing in accolades at the state level.

On Thursday, Marker 126 owners Kevin and Sheila Stumpf received the Iowa Venture Award from the Iowa Area Development Group (IADG) and its rural electric cooperative partners at the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives’ annual meeting in Des Moines.

“The Iowa Venture Award provides an opportunity to recognize and thank companies that are innovating, creating jobs and investing in Iowa,” said IADG President/CEO Bruce Nuzum. “IADG and its partners are proud to recognize Marker 126 for providing an exceptional travel stop and experience for people traveling across Highway 20.”

The Iowa Venture Award, which is in its 34th year, is presented to individuals and organizations, both large and small, in recognition of their significant contributions to Iowa’s economy through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and creation of job opportunities.

Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham joined the IADG as the presenter of the award.

The Marker 126 travel center, located near the 126 mile marker on U.S. Highway 20, opened in September. In addition to gas, diesel and typical convenience store offerings, Marker 126 also houses the Table 126 restaurant, the Brew 126 coffee shop and a creamery serving Kemp’s ice cream.

The building, which was designed by Sheila Stumpf, includes indoor and outdoor seating, a fireplace area with comfortable chairs and a loft for meetings or groups to gather while traveling.

The Stumpfs were proud to accept the Iowa Venture Award this week.

“It means a lot that we’re investing in Iowa,” Kevin Stumpf said. “We’re investing in rural Iowa, not just the big city.”

The Stumpfs wanted to bring more than just a gas station or a truck stop to that area of U.S. Highway 20 — they wanted to create a true travel center. With their restaurant, they decided to model it after the Panera Bread restaurant chain.

“It’s more of a healthy option, versus a normal truck stop or convenience store food,” Kevin Stumpf said.

The restaurant serves sandwiches, soups and homemade pizza. The coffee shop offers handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks.

The Stumpfs have plans to eventually add electric vehicle charging stations, a dog park and a play area for kids. Additional possibilities for the site include a trucker campground.

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