“The first time I came to Orange City I was five years old. My family emigrated from the Netherlands. We moved to Orange City in 1955. My dad was a painting contractor; he wanted to work for himself.  Like now, there were a lot of opportunities in Orange City.”

After graduating from high school in Orange City, Bert moved away for college, entered the Air Force and pursued a life outside of Orange City.

After twenty-five years away from Northwest Iowa, a career opportunity led him and his family back to Orange City where they enjoyed the benefits of a safe community and connected with neighbors that invested in their lives.

“The saying here in Orange City is ‘Breng ons een bezoek’ or pay us a visit. I think if you just pay us a visit, you’ll see a lot of the benefits of the community.”