Marty Braster Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/31/2017) (readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Marty Braster of Centerville as an Iowan of the Day for the 2017 Iowa State Fair.

Marty shares many passions of his with the Centerville community, including caring for the land and improving the environment for Iowans. His education in biology and agronomy has led him to opportunities that benefit the entire state of Iowa, as he is leading projects to improve water and soil quality. Not only does Marty develop new soil conservation methods to improve Iowa's water resources, but he has also volunteered his time in Puerto Rico with the United States Peace Corps improving their conservation methods.

From developing the Loess Scenic Byway to coordinating the Chariton Valley Switchgrass Project, Marty has received national recognition for the work he has done to improve the state of Iowa.

"Marty radiates 'Iowa' values and integrity by his willingness to put in long hours, stay late, come in early, make the right contact, lend an ear or opinion and offer any resource he has to make the lives of his family, friends and neighbors better," says Jeremy Buckingham, Rathbun Regional Water Association Plant Superintendent.

Aside from conservation, Marty enjoys volunteering his time to youth in his community. He has always loved the game of soccer, and he wants children to love it too. Marty played an instrumental role in creating a community soccer club that children of all ages could enjoy. He volunteers his time to teach children the skills of soccer and good character.

Marty's day of recognition will be on Thursday, August 17 at the 2017 Iowa State Fair. He will be recognized with a presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley stage at 2:30 P.M. Along with accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, he will receive a gift bag, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart.

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 Iowans 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 Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $135 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800-450-3732 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

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