Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Lt. Governor Patty Judge Announces The Creation Of The One Iowa Award
Iowans urged to apply, nominate others for award recognizing outstanding work in the area of diversity
(Des Moines)- Lt. Governor Patty Judge announced today the creation of the One Iowa Award. The One Iowa Award will be given to deserving Iowa communities, businesses, organizations or groups that excel in furthering diversity issues in the state. The announcement was made during a press conference in the library at East High School in Des Moines.
Lt. Governor Judge said, “Diversity is an issue that is very important to Governor Culver and me and we feel it needs to be addressed, particularly in rural Iowa. We want to extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to those who look different or who may have a different religion, nationality or sexual orientation. We want to celebrate those differences and do so in a spirit of genuine concern for the overall well-being of all people.”
Governor Culver highlighted the importance of the One Iowa Award, saying, “Diversity is critical in so many areas in Iowa. We are addressing issues of diversity in many facets of state government, including the state’s hiring practices and our new diversity council. There is a lot of work to be done, but the One Iowa Award is an important step in the right direction,” said Governor Culver.
Iowa businesses will sponsor the One Iowa Award as well as help with the selection process: Bankers Trust in Des Moines and Rockwell International in Cedar Rapids has signed on as sponsors. To nominate a group, business or organization for the One Iowa Award, log onto http://www.governor.iowa.gov/lt-governor/one-iowa-award.php, or call the Governor’s Office at 515.281.5211 for more information. The first One Iowa Award will be presented in early 2008.