Mickey Thomas named Iowan of the Day

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Mickey Thomas of Osceola

DES MOINES, IA (08/01/2011)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present David "Mickey" Thomas of Osceola as an Iowan of the Day for the 2011 Iowa State Fair.

Thomas is an active member of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce and has implemented new marketing ideas and service projects that benefit all of south central Iowa. He was in charge of the community's major paving and sewer project as a member of the City Council. Thomas has also been a member of Lions International for over 50 years. Thomas has improved the city of Osceola by coordinating several organizations to raise money to build tennis courts, rebuild a dam to save Grade Lake, and create a hiking trail. Thomas has served on Osceola's Independence Day celebration committee, one of southeast Iowa's largest traditional events. Thomas takes pride in his community and voluntarily writes a weekly newspaper column to commemorate Osceola's history and its residents.

"Mickey Thomas is more than the usual business and community leader. His visionary ideas, relentless determination, and sincere interest in people have made him the go-to person when any individual, organization or cause needs direction, encouragement and support," said Mary Ellen Kimball, Thomas' nominator and neighbor.

Thomas' day of recognition will be Thursday, August 18 at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, Thomas will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Thomas will also receive a special introduction at 2:15 p.m. August 18 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.

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