[simage=4409,400,n,center]

Among the nine recipients of the 2012 Iowa Venture Awards are two Washington County businesses. Both Kehl Management in Riverside and Premier Sheep Supplies south of Washington received the honors from the Iowa Area Development Group.

That group gives the awards to the businesses that they see as making significant contributions in diversifying and strengthening Iowa’s economy.

Kehl Management has casinos in several cities in Iowa, including Riverside.  The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort employs about 750 people, and they are the largest employers in the county.

[simage=4408,400,n,center]

Premier Sheep Supplies was started by Stan and Jean Potratz. After farming in England, Potratz started raising sheep locally, but he was not finding the supplies that were more available overseas.  Now, his supply company has 40 employees and a large warehouse and shipping center.

The awards were presented to the recipients at a ceremony last month.