Bob Norris Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Bob Norris of Shenandoah as an Iowan of the Day for the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

From Russia, Slovakia to Shenandoah, Iowa, Bob Norris is known for making a difference. Norris travels to Russia where he does mission work in orphanages. He then visits the Shenandoah Community School District to share his stories with the second graders. Spending time with the youth of Shenandoah is one of his passions, as he also spends time reading stories and discussing plot points with the second graders.

"Passion, commitment, honesty and service are the words that enter my mind when I think of, or speak of, Bob to other people," said M.A.Y. Mentoring Coordinator Kim Leininger. "Bob is a quiet, kind, soft spoken man who leads by example. Bob puts much thought and detail into everything he does."

One program requiring much thought and detail is The Sister City program. The Sister City program in Shenandoah began as just an idea in 1999. In 2004, visitors from Tisovec, Slovakia came to visit Shenandoah and Norris was one of the hosts. He also planned community events for the Slovakia residents and a meet and greet for the youth of Shenandoah. As part of the Sister City program, Norris even traveled to Slovakia himself to help foster a relationship that is mutually beneficial for both cities.

Norris' day of recognition will be Sunday, August 10 at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Norris will also receive a special introduction on August 10 at 2:30 p.m. 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 most outstanding individuals. The program continues to honor Iowan's across the state who have made a difference in others' lives, while upholding the 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 $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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