(Spirit Lake)– Those working to get Spirit Lake designated a “Blue Zone” community have appointed a panel of committee members to assist in the process, known as a “Power 9 Advisory Board”.
It’s members include Spirit Lake Mayor and MainSail President Blain Andera; Steve Goodenow, Chairman and CEO of Bank Midwest; Jason Harrington, CEO Lakes Regional Healthcare; Norm Johnson, CEO YMCA of the Okoboji’s; Tom Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Connie Lange, Vice President of Patient Care at Lakes Regional Healthcare; Clint Loveall, Senior Pastor at the First Presbyterian Church; Dave Smith, Superintendent of the Spirit Lake Community Schools; Mark Stevens, Spirit Lake City Administrator; and Jeff Vierkant, Director of Operations at Pure Fishing.
A statement of interest expressing Spirit Lake’s interest in becoming a Blue Zones Community, was submitted in late October. A Blue Zones Community Summit was held November 21st. In November, Spirit Lake Blue Zones was invited to submit an application by January 4th, which has been done. On February 10th, 12 Iowa communities will be selected for site visits. If Spirit Lake is selected, representatives from the Blue Zones project will visit Spirit Lake, meet with residents, representatives from various community sectors and assess interest in Spirit Lake becoming a Blue Zones Community. Final selections will be announced in May.
