MOSES LAKE - Jill Heath has put a lot into her business over the past few years.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Heath, who operates Duda Insurance's Moses Lake office, was recently recognized by Vision 2020. The group presented her with their Visionary Award this week, highlighting her hand in the business' success.

Duda Insurance is a full-service agency which provides services to both personal and commercial clients. They provide home, auto, commercial, life and health insurance through companies such as Safeco, Nationwide and Liberty Mutual.

The office also provides bookkeeping and payroll services for small businesses.

The Moses Lake office is affiliated with Duda Insurance in Quincy, which is owned by Bob Duda. 

Vision 2020 chair Bill Ecret mentioned how the Moses Lake office has grown in size, and in staff, since opening in 2011.

Duda Insurance moved to its current location on West Broadway Avenue last fall. Their new office is much bigger than the old one, he said.

"Since then the space has been transformed into the comfortable, relaxed, professional office that welcomes its customers in a family friendly atmosphere," Ecret said.

He also talked about Heath's attention to the exterior of her business, from the planter boxes outside to the always changing window displays. This year alone, staff have created a '12th Man' Seahawks-themed window as well as a summer, fall and a 'Back to School' themed window.

Ecret also pointed out that Duda now has a staff of five, including three licensed insurance agents. When Heath first opened the doors to the Moses Lake office, she only had one other licensed agent and an assistant, according to a previous Columbia Basin Herald article.

Ecret said Heath's pride of ownership in her business, as well as her community, was the main reason Vision 2020 decided to give her this month's Visionary Award.

Vision 2020's goal is to promote and enhance Moses Lake by supporting projects and initiatives that make the city a better place. Ecret said the Visionary Award is given to businesses and individuals who are making a positive difference in the community.

"Jill is also active in the Kiwanis Club, MLBA (Moses Lake Business Association) and other organizations in our community in hopes of making Moses Lake a better place to live and work," said Ecret.