Alfred Janssen Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2010)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Alfred Janssen of Waverly as an Iowan of the Day for the 2010 Iowa State Fair.

Alfred, better known as Al, embodies each shining characteristic of Iowa from community involvement to involvement with youth. Al has touched the lives of many youths with his involvement with as a 4-H leader, as well as serving as a mentor in his local schools. Beyond that, Al has also been involved in his city council, the Waverly Exchange Club, and St. John's Lutheran Church.

"Al's goals and efforts were to always be optimistic, have a strong work ethic, be loyal in helping others, and to help make the community of Waverly and the state of Iowa a better place to live," described John Johnston, a member of the Waverly Exchange Club and a reference in Al's nomination. These goals show Al's Iowa spirit and make him a star deserving of recognition.

Al's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 21 at the Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, Al will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets, one year subscriptions to the Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines, and special use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Al will also receive a special introduction at 2:15 p.m. August 21 on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.

Founded in 1997, the Iowan of the Day program allows the Blue Ribbon Foundation to recognize Iowa's shining stars. The program continues to honor individuals from across the state each year who have made a difference in others' lives while upholding characteristics associated with Iowa-dependability, integrity, hard work and sense of community.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.