CLIVE, IOWA (August 9, 2023) — Special Olympians from across Iowa will receive a unique challenge at the Iowa State Fair. Under the tutelage of Iowa FFA and 4-H members, sixteen Special Olympians will show a pig during the Bacon Buddies® Pig Show on Saturday, August 12, in the Swine Barn.

This is the fourth year for the Bacon Buddies® event at the Iowa State Fair. It is an annual collaboration between the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Special Olympics Iowa (SOI).

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (August 9, 2023) — Human-services leader Nicole Mann has been named Executive Director of EveryChild, an agency that provides child-abuse prevention, education, and treatment programs for children and families. Throughout her career, Mann’s work has been focused on providing services that address the needs of vulnerable children and families in the Quad Cities region.

From left: Fred Zesiger, Debi Durham, Erin Naylor, and Phillip Naylor

OTTUMWA, IOWA (August 9, 2023) — Five businesses from Main Street Iowa communities across the state competed in the final round of the Open 4 Business contest. All five businesses received awards presented by Governor Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority.

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 8, 2023) — The Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association is seeking nominations for its first-ever Sustainability Award (Presented by WoodRiver Energy). This award will recognize an Iowa hotel or lodging establishment committed to excellence and leadership in the protection of the environment and the implementation of sustainable practices.