Steve Leinen 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 Steve Leinen of Panama as an Iowan of the Day for the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Go-getter, giver, energetic and servant are some of the most notable qualities that Leinen's family, friends and co-workers would use to identify him. Leinen has been involved in Relay for Life, blood drives, 4-H, the Panama Fire Department and the Panama Athletic Association. Along with that, he volunteers his time to the Booster Club, church councils and has served as a religious education teacher. It is well known that Leinen doesn't volunteer to participate; he volunteers to make a difference.

According to Harlan Community Activities Director Mitch Osborn, Leinen's leadership is the "crown jewel" of Panama, Iowa. As renovations of a brand new parish hall began two years ago, Leinen was the first to step in.

Members of his church, Ron and Jodie Wingert, explained his efforts to get the job done. "He has volunteered his time and labor to help keep costs down for the parish community and he has done it silently. We don't know how he manages to fit all of this into his life, but the fruits of his labor are enjoyed by all of us."

Among all of Leinen's volunteer contributions, he was named Citizen of the Year along with his wife DeeDee in 2007. Together they have taken part in countless fundraising activities for the Fire Department, helped the Cattlemen's Association grow to over 200 members and kept the Panama Athletic Association alive for the past 15 years.

Leinen's day of recognition will be Friday, August 9 at the 2013 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. Leinen will also receive a special introduction on August 9 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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