Press Release Archive
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Governor Culver Asks Civic Leaders Barry Griswell And Fred Hubbell To Lead Efforts For Statewide Storm Relief
Incoming Greater Des Moines Community Foundation President and Long-time Iowa Business and Civic Leader to Coordinate Private Fundraising for Statewide Relief
(DES MOINES) - Today, Governor Chet Culver asked civic leaders Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell to form a statewide private fundraising effort relief for Iowans affected by the recent floods and tornados, and to help coordinate with community efforts currently developing across the state. The Governor is in Eastern Iowa now and will be asking other civic leaders to join the group.
"The true spirit of Iowans really shows in how much they are willing to give to support their neighbors. The number of Iowans asking how to help has been phenomenal, and I deeply appreciate all the many efforts already underway, including the Red Cross, United Way, community foundations across the state and so many others," said Gov. Culver.
"With so much desire to help comes the need for coordination to ensure private fundraising is going where it is needed most, as efficiently as possible. I can not think of two leaders better qualified to help lead this very important task than my friends Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell, and I am honored they are willing to serve. Barry and Fred are natural leaders with a genuine desire to do everything they can to make Iowa a better, stronger place."
"Iowans have always risen to the challenge when it comes to helping their own recover from any kind of disaster," said Barry Griswell. "That was evident in the thousands of people who came out to sandbag and help friends, family and strangers try to save their valuables and property in advance of the floodwaters. Now, we're dealing with a massive and long-term clean-up and re-building effort around the state. It's our goal to coordinate and direct the donations that are pouring in from generous Iowans in order to maximize the relief effort and to direct financial help where it is needed most."
Griswell currently serves as Chairman of the Principal Financial Group, Inc., one of Iowa's largest employers, and is the incoming president of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, which works with nearly 80 other community foundations across the state.
Fred Hubbell, the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Equitable of Iowa Companies, currently serves as the Chairman of the Iowa Power Fund Board. Mr. Hubbell has a long history of civic participation in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, and has most recently served on the Executive Board and as Chairman of Insurance and Asset Management Americas for the ING Group.
“As Iowans begin down the road to recovery, it will take a coordinated effort to help rebuild our state,” said Fred Hubbell. “I am proud to join with Governor Culver and Barry Griswell in this outstanding and historic effort. We look forward to working with civic, business, and community groups across the state. By working together, we can rebuild this state and help get Iowans back on their feet.”