News
Juice to recognize top young leaders (Des Moines Register)
Central Iowa young professionals who have given back to their communities through volunteering and other efforts in 2009 will be recognized this week by Juice magazine and The Des Moines Register.
The first Juice Young Professional of the Year Award will be presented Tuesday during an invitation-only ceremony at Grand Piano Bistro in Des Moines' East Village. Five finalists will be recognized at the event, and one will be announced as the winner of the award, which honors central Iowans 35 years old and younger whose social, charitable, civic or entertainment efforts improved the quality of life in the Des Moines area.
"I'm involved and active because I want to be, not for recognition," said finalist Brad Magg, 23, the owner of Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe in Prairie City who is also an active community member in his native Colfax. "But it's always nice to be noticed for the work that you do."
Finalist Chris Diebel, 29, the director of marketing for Orchestrate Hospitality, said he was pleased to be nominated for an award that isn't about "being popular, good-looking, or rich."
"It's about being acknowledged for working hard and giving back to your community in your own unique ways," Diebel said.
The Des Moines Register and Juice does not choose the finalists or the winner. An independent panel of judges, whose names are not disclosed, voted on people nominated by readers and community members. The finalists received the most votes from the judges.
The finalists are:
Andrew Allen
32, community investment consultant, Principal Financial Group, Des Moines
As a 17-year-old, Allen was a troublemaker sent to in-patient treatment at Youth and Shelter Services in Ames for an OWI. The experience helped him turn his life around. As an adult, Allen has played an instrumental role in securing millions of dollars in support of youth services in central Iowa for organizations like Youth and Shelter Services, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers and Reggie's Sleepout. He acted as the liaison for Principal Financial Group's support of the 80/35 Music Festival and as the link between the five "FORE our Kids" charities and the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament. Allen was also appointed by Gov. Chet Culver to the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice for the Department of Justice.
Chris Diebel
29, director of marketing, Orchestrate Hospitality, Des Moines
A leader in Des Moines since serving three times as class president at Roosevelt High School, Diebel is on a number of planning committees and boards of directors dedicated to providing large-scale community events that have helped transform Des Moines into a more vibrant place to live. Diebel's volunteer efforts contributed to the success of the Des Moines Symphony's Yankee Doodle Pops, the Metro Arts Alliance Jazz in July finale, and the Destination 10th Street and Ingersoll Live street parties. Diebel also co-founded MyIowaGayWedding.com, a Web site for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples worldwide looking to plan a wedding in Iowa.
Brad Magg
23, owner of Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe and Magg Family Catering, Prairie City
An entrepreneur since his freshman year of high school when he created Magg Family Catering, Magg now employs more than 25 people. He was cited for serving the best pork tenderloin in Iowa by the Iowa Pork Producers and serves 1,500 tenderloins every week at Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe, which he purchased, renovated, and reopened while a culinary student at Des Moines Area Community College. Magg has served as vice president of the Colfax Chamber of Commerce and as board member for several local committees, including the Colfax Take Pride Where You Reside committee, which he founded.
Heather McDermott
33, manager of a claims operation with Principal Financial Group, Des Moines
In addition to overseeing 70 employees servicing Principal's dental and vision products, McDermott serves as the company's main point of contact for United Way's Emerging Leaders Initiative. As chairwoman of the initiative's volunteer committee, McDermott recruits people for ongoing volunteer opportunities with organizations supported by the United Way. She also serves on the Whyld Girls' Advisory Board, has served on the selection panel for Youth Venture, and has been involved with Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption as a foster home.
Brooks Reynolds
33, account executive, Reynolds and Reynolds, Des Moines
During Reynolds' term as president of Young Variety in 2008-09, the charity raised an all-time high of more than $125,000 - tops among all Young Variety chapters worldwide. He also serves on the "Bacon Board" and is one of the people responsible for bringing the wildly popular Bacon Fest to Des Moines, an annual event that has grown the past three years.
