Sharon Juon Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/29/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Sharon Juon of Waterloo as an Iowan of the Day for the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Juon has a vision. Her vision to better the community and people around her has been accomplished through courage, citizenship, responsibility, respect and trustworthiness. Juon has captured what it means to be loyal to the Waterloo community, as she is involved in Cedar Valley United Way, Black Hawk County Gaming Association, Westminster Presbyterian Church and Opportunity Works Synthesis Circle. Her impressive resume is only a slight taste of how she has impacted those around her.

"There are other people in this state who possess some or all of these same skills in varying amounts, but few have put them together to accomplish so much in a community the size of Waterloo. She is that community leader that every community wishes they had, but few are lucky to get," said Geoffrey Grimes in his letter of recommendation for Juon.

Juon embodies extraordinary courage not just in volunteering within Waterloo, but through her civic involvements at the city, state, regional and national levels. Perhaps battling and surviving cancer has given her this edge to make a difference everywhere. Much of Juon's work as Executive Director of Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments, and elsewhere, has promoted the welfare of small urban counties in the area. At the beginning of July, Juon retired from the position but remains involved in various other organizations.

Juon's day of recognition will be Saturday, August 10 at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Along with a one night's stay at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, she will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Juon 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 $95 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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