Giving Back

The generations of Howards who call Iowa Falls home obviously pride themselves on forging strong business relationships within the community. In addition to that, the Howard family name is synonymous with philanthropy and community outreach with special attention paid to education and health care.




Dale and Marilyn Howard have laid the foundation over the years. Himself a former collegiate basketball coach, Dale has always taken a personal interest in Ellsworth Community College and Panther athletics as well as his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Always among ECC's biggest boosters, the Howards took a bold step in 2006 with a gift that paved the way for the Dale Howard Family Activity Center. The nearly 38,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility isn't just about athletics; it makes Ellsworth competitive with every educational institution in the state in terms of student recruitment. The DHFAC has also become a link between the college and the community as a place for exercising and gathering.


Steve Howard has served on a variety of civic organizations over the years. Recently Steve has dedicated much of his time away from the dealership to the Ellsworth Municipal Hospital Board of Trustees as EMH looks toward the future of health care in Hardin County. Steve's wife, Glenda Howard, taught third grade for 16 years and kindergarten for 10 before retiring several years ago. She remained in the school system as a substitute teacher and later as a mentor. She has been mentoring up to 12 students in kindergarten through sixth grade and continues to donate much of her free time to area schools. In 2009, Glenda received the Governor's Volunteer Award after being nominated by Iowa Falls Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Robbins.

The Howards are extremely proud of the family tree that has populated Iowa's colleges and universities. Among the many Howard grandchildren to have earned degrees in their home state is Steve's son, Tony, now manager of the sales department at Dale Howard, Inc. Like his father and grandfather, Tony, along with wife Julianne, has carried the torch of community involvement. Tony has served as president of the Iowa Falls Jaycees, president of the Highland Golf Club Board and as a board member with the Iowa Falls Kiwanis. Julianne brings the three generations full circle as a coach and teacher.