Wilbur Cordes Named Iowan of the Day

DES MOINES, IA (07/30/2014)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are pleased to present Wilbur Cordes of Allison as an Iowan of the Day for the 2014 Iowa State Fair.

The 4-H program has a very special place in Cordes' heart. Though he never participated in 4-H as a kid, he became heavily involved as an adult. A 4-H leader for five years, he advocated the goodness of 4-H and helped all five of his children with their yearly 4-H projects. He has been recognized for his work with 4-H, receiving two awards of appreciation.

Kay Connelly, a friend of Cordes, knows him on a personal and professional level. "In both of those relationships, Wilbur has been a true Iowan. He has always stepped up to help others, and to take a leadership role in whatever needed to be done in the community. Wilbur is a good neighbor, personable, and leaves a great impression of Iowa and Iowans wherever he goes."

Cordes also took his Iowa spirit with him to Korea, where he was in the army and received a Purple Heart. Now he volunteers with the veterans' medical van in his town and marches in the local parade. He has also traveled to Bluefields, Nicaragua with his church, where he did mission work for those in need.

On top of all of his other commitments, Cordes makes time to participate in many community organizations. He is involved with the school board, Amvet, American Legion, Lions Club and Butler County Beef Association.

Cordes' day of recognition will be Thursday, August 7, at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. Along with accommodations at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott, he will receive a cash prize, grandstand tickets and use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart. Cordes will also receive a special introduction on August 7, 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 $100 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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