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Joe Harper Named Iowan Of The Day

COLO, IA (07/31/2008; 1011)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies Food Products are honored to name Joe Harper as an Iowan of the Day for the 2008 Iowa State Fair.

Joe has shown a true dedication to Iowa agriculture, first teaching high school vocational-agriculture for 21 years, and later spending ten years as chairman of the ag-business program at Des Moines Area Community College. Joe has also spent several years as the superintendent of the swine barn at the Iowa State Fair. Joe's also donated his auctioneering services to the Colo FFA, Story County Fair, Story County Pork Producers, and the Iowa Pork Producers. Joe has been highly involved with the Colo Lions Club, spending three terms as president. One of his projects included putting up fences, restrooms, and a concession stand at the little league. Joe's also been president of the Colo School Board, chairman of the Community Betterment Committee, and served on the Story County Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors. Joe was also chairman of the committee to restore the Reed/Niland Corner along Lincoln Highway in Colo.

Joe's day of honor at the Iowa State Fair will be Monday, August 11. Joe will receive a night's stay at the Des Moines Downtown Marriott, VIP Parking at the Fair, special use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, $200 in cash, tickets to the Deery Brothers Races at the Grandstand, and subscriptions to Iowan and Iowa Gardening magazines. Joe will be part of a special presentation on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage at 2:15 p.m. on August 11.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation began the Iowan of the Day award in 1997 to honor those Iowans who've truly made a difference for those around them. The Foundation reviews over 250 nominations each year, and selects those that show examples of integrity, decency, hard work, and dedication to community improvement.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $65 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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Joe Harper, Colo, IA