A Jefferson-based company was recently named a Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur Award winner from Iowa Farm Bureau.

American Athletic Incorporated/Spalding/Russell Brand Athletics was this year’s recipient. The company was founded by Bill Sorenson in 1954 as a trampoline manufacturer. They now provide gymnastics equipment for the Olympics and Team USA, along with manufacturing basketball equipment that is used by NBA and NCAA basketball teams, to now manufacturing a safer football pad with Russell Brand Athletics.

Farm Bureau Economic Development Administrator Sandy Ehrig says “AAI remains dedicated to their Iowa community, supporters and their commitment to quality; that’s what makes them a valued Renew Rural Iowa award winner.”

The award is given to an industry or business that is dedicated to education, mentoring and its financial resources.