Ken Petersen Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2012)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Ken Petersen of Council Bluffs as an Iowan of the Day for the 2012 Iowa State Fair.

Petersen is active as the Legislative Chairman and volunteer for the Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. Petersen was a board member of IHA and helped create many educational programs for all the hospitals and volunteers in Iowa. He is also a Board member of Wings of Hope Cancer Center, AEA13, the American Cancer Society Iowa Advisory Council and Commissioner for the Iowa State Department of Aging. Petersen has been involved in the Pottawattamie County Tobacco Coalition, UPRR Museum, Chanticleer Theatre, Bluffs Arts Council, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, American Red Cross and his church.

Ken received the honor to represent Council Bluffs as an ambassador for the Relay for Life nationwide event, held in Washington D.C in 2006. Petersen is dedicated and active in the Council Bluffs Community School District. He was on the Board of Education for nearly 20 years and facilitated a Youth Leadership Academy for 7th and 8th grade students.

"Ken Petersen has brightened the lives of those around him by being active in more than 29 state and local organizations and non-profits in Council Bluffs and Southwest Iowa. He is tremendously respected and depended upon for his vision, insight and experience," said Jake Powers, Jennie Edmundson Hospital Volunteer Coordinator and Petersen's nominator. In the Council Bluffs community, Petersen is known for his optimism, leadership and involvement, which makes him a well-deserving Iowan of the Day.

Petersen's day of recognition will be Thursday, August 16 at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Petersen will also receive a special introduction at 2:15 p.m. August 16 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 $85 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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