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These 40 people are inspiring and leading
Reporter: Editorial
This week’s issue celebrates 40 of the Corridor’s best and brightest. We have honored people under the age of 40 for the past four years and each year we are reminded that while there may be some young people leaving Iowa with the so-called brain drain, many aren’t. Those staying, or returning, are doing great things.
Each year we recognize some incredible people, and this year is no different. We were pleased to see a significant entrepreneurial trend in this year’s list, both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Several people in this year’s class have started, helped start or lead some of the fastest-growing businesses in Iowa and in the nation.
One person, Anthony Marlowe, not only had his business in Inc. magazine’s fastest-companies list, but he was also recognized in 2007 as the one of the 25 youngest CEOs out of the 5000 fastest-growing companies in America.
Most of the people on the list do a considerable amount of volunteer work. Sometimes it is difficult to discern between their volunteering and their “real jobs” because they are giving so much to both.
It is also difficult to see how they manage and have time for their families.
When asked what they like to do outside of work and volunteering, a common response was spending time with family. There are only so many hours in a week and most of these people have them filled up.
As in past years, there are several people who work in the nonprofit sector but could be making considerably more money in the private sector.
We were particularly impressed with Jenny Schultz, an attorney, who helped found the Kids First Law Center, which is the only agency in Iowa that provides free representation to children in divorce cases. Ms. Schultz is a shining example of those who could be making a big paycheck in the private sector, but has committed herself to this very worthy endeavor. The Corridor and the state are better for it.
While these 40 individuals will receive an award Tuesday night, they deserve much more than that and something much simpler — our thanks.
If you see one of these 40 winners in one of their many activities giving back to the Corridor or just walking down the street, be sure to say thank you.
As the Corridor continues to think about the next step in its progress, particularly with the after effects of the flood, we need more young people to step up and show leadership like these 40 people.
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