Jul 9, 2024
Innovation. Sukup Bins. Family foundation.
It sounds a lot like the storyline of the world’s largest family-owned and operated grain bin manufacturer.
Only this time, we’re not talking about Sukup Manufacturing Co.
It’s about dreams and a vision brought to life by a family determined to create beauty following tragedy in the Iowa town of Treynor. The community itself is about the size of Sheffield, Iowa—a little over a thousand people inhabit the rural town. The innovation and heart behind the grand opening of a recent project there attracted the attention of President/CEO Steve Sukup.
“It was great meeting Craig and learning about his and his wife’s desire to incorporate Sukup grain bins into a lodging experience,” Steve said after a recent visit to the site. “Penny’s Landing is a beautiful bin structure and well-built by Sukup dealer Zimmerman Sales.”
Penny’s Landing takes the guest into the heartland. Two Sukup grain bins have been converted into three levels each, with eleven guest rooms. It’s the answer to lodging needs at the already established Palace Event Center. Husband and wife team Craig and Penny Buckingham dreamed of such a venue that could host events in their part of the state. Several years later, they determined there was also a need for an on-site place for folks to stay overnight. That’s where the idea for Penny’s Landing came from.
But while the project was still blossoming, Penny passed away, leaving Craig to carry on his wife’s vision. So, he persevered. Over the next couple of years, with the help of others, Craig made their dream a reality. On a scenic day toward the end of June, Craig, joined by many others, held a grand opening and formal ribbon-cutting for Penny’s Landing.
Steve, along with Sukup Territory Manager Kent Craighton, stopped by to take in the beauty of the familiar, yet unique structure. It looks like any bin you’d see dotting the agricultural horizon, with the name displayed in its usual spot on the steel. Sukup dealer Zimmerman Sales sold and erected the bins.
“The meaning behind the site left an impact on all who attended the ribbon cutting,” Steve recounts. “It’s a testament to a dream and a legacy that is sure to live on through this unique getaway"
