This paid piece is sponsored by POET.

The South Dakota Community Foundation, in conjunction with the South Dakota Ag Foundation, has awarded POET the Hometown Hero Award.

“It’s truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of POET,” said Jeff Broin, POET founder and CEO. “South Dakota is our home, and agriculture is the backbone of our state and the lifeblood of our business at POET. The South Dakota Community Foundation and the South Dakota Ag Foundation recognize the potential of our state and the need to continue to invest in the future of our communities and the next generation of farmers, and we’re proud to support their work.”

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) created the Hometown Hero Award as part of their Legacy Society. It serves to recognize those who support and advocate for their neighbors and communities and is presented to individuals or organizations that have contributed over $100,000.

“Since 1987, the South Dakota Community Foundation has had the privilege to work with generous people and organizations wanting to give their neighbors a better place to call HOME,” said Jeff Veltkamp, director of development for SDCF. “Our Hometown Heroes play a vital role in fostering the growth of the foundation and enabling us to create an even greater impact, and we couldn’t be more pleased to add POET to the ranks.”

The South Dakota Ag Foundation is an independent, industry-led nonprofit composed of key leaders in the state’s ag industry. The foundation is committed to cultivating a culture of philanthropy and investing in the future of South Dakota agriculture through financial support, development for the future of ag, advocacy and unification throughout the industry, and working lands conservation.

“I’m excited to congratulate and extend our gratitude to Jeff Broin for exemplifying what it means to be a Hometown Hero,” said Chris Maxwell, executive director for the SD Ag Foundation. “His passion for agriculture, the work being done at POET, and their longtime support of the foundation have been transformative for our farmers and for the future of ag in South Dakota and beyond.”

The partnership with SDCF and the SD Ag Foundation is just one of the many ways that POET seeks to make the world a better place and give back to the communities it calls home through its philanthropic program, POET Gives Back.

“POET always has and will continue to strive to be a good neighbor and lead with a servant’s heart,” Broin said. “The South Dakota Community and Ag Foundations are doing important work to make our great state even greater, and I look forward to all we can accomplish together in the years to come.”

To learn more about POET’s philanthropic efforts or apply for funding, visit poet.com/givesback.