West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go said its CFO, Craig Bergstrom, is the 2009 recipient of the Prairie Meadows CFO of the Year Award presented annually at the Des Moines Business Record Economic Forecast event.

The awards recognize Central Iowa CFOs who have played a critical role in the success of their companies through growth and profitability.

"I’m honored to receive this award," Begstrom said. “But I share it with my finance team who are as good as any I’ve worked with. Together, I believe we’ve made some significant and lasting impacts on the organization. My focus moving forward is to continue to drive value and set Kum & Go on a path to long-term success.”

A Kum & Go associate since 2005, Bergstrom has transitioned the company’s financial structure to support significant organic growth from new store builds rather than from acquisitions.

Through his leadership and understanding of finance and operations, Bergstrom helped Kum & Go achieve a 100% revenue increase in a three-year period ($1.1 billion to $2.1 billion).

Bergstrom was nominated for the award by Kum & Go President and CEO Kyle Krause, who chose Bergstrom for his successful implementation of a series of initiatives aimed at improving Kum & Go’s financial strength.

“In addition to his business skills, Craig’s character is what makes him such an asset to our leadership team," Krause said. "He sets an example that trickles down through our organization by showing his genuine interest in others, giving liberally of his own time and resources and expecting no more from others than he does himself. This award is well-deserved recognition for his great work and noteworthy achievements."

A 26-year veteran at Kum & Go, Bergstrom previously served as president and CEO for Chef Solutions Inc. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting.