The 8th Annual Iowa Rural Summit last week included a special recognition of six rural leaders, including Joe Mrstik of Pleasantville. 

The Iowa Rural Summit brings together leaders from small towns across Iowa each year. The Summit is hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council, a statewide non-profit focused on small-town and rural vitality. The Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award, sponsored by the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation, recognizes individuals in rural economic and community development, philanthropy, the arts, and utilities. The honorees are nominated by friends, colleagues or anyone who values their contributions to rural places. The final selection is made by an Iowa Rural Development Council screening committee. 

Mrstik was honored for his local leadership as Pleasantville’s city administrator and police chief and his impact as an active volunteer. Mrstik was cited for his impact on Pleasantville, specifically efforts aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure and quality of life. His achievements include overseeing the reconstruction of a major street to improve safety and accessibility, implementing innovative storm-water management strategies using permeable pavers and native vegetation around recreational areas, and successfully establishing a new industrial park to foster economic growth.

With a crowd of more than 360 individuals from 70 different small towns, the Iowa Rural Summit addressed issues this year ranging from rural pharmacy shortages, ag technology innovation, and community development options.