Nearly 700 registered for National Geographic speaker

Dan Buettner, world-renowned explorer, writer for National Geographic and New York Times best-selling author will keynote the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Thursday, February 2.

Nearly 700 business, non-profit, education, industry and government leaders are registered for the event at the Coralville Marriott. Buettner will discuss the world's "hotspots of human health and vitality," which he calls Blue Zones, and what they do that helps them live so long.

“It's exciting to know that the healthiest people in the world have no formal exercise program or prescribed “diet,” said Nancy Quellhorst, president and CEO of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Their environment naturally promotes healthy living that doesn't require self-discipline. Our community would like to set the example for Iowa by incorporating Blue Zones principles to foster individual wellness and a healthier workforce.”

Senator Bob Dvorsky, Representative Vicki Lensing, Johnson County Board Supervisors Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil and Janelle Rettig, Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett and North Liberty Mayor Tom Salm are among the elected officials scheduled to be in attendance.

A social hour kicks off at 5 p.m., followed by dinner, and a brief program beginning at 5:45 p.m. The banquet will be held in the Coral Ballroom at the Coralville Marriott.

The event follows Blue Zones sign-up day on February 1. The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the cities of Coralville, Iowa City and North Liberty, the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) and Hy-vee to boost support for the Blue Zones Project.

The Chamber is leading the Iowa City area to become one of ten designated Blue Zones communities. The community-based approach will transform the environments in which Iowans live, work and play to improve their emotional, physical and social health.

Citizen support is an important selection factor, so the Chamber encourages citizens to take part and to register support at www.bluezonesproject.com. Three events will take place on Feb. 1 to engage the community in the project.

• Visitors to Coralville and Iowa City Hy-vee locations will have the opportunity to register support at an in-store Blue Zones station.
• ICCSD will take part in a text mob, in which students will collectively register support for Blue Zones by texting “BZP” to 772937.
• Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett, Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek and North Liberty Mayor Tom Salm will sign a joint letter of support for Blue Zones.

When registering support at www.bluezonesproject.com, click on the green button “I'm a Citizen. Support Your Community.” Under the “City” field, please enter Iowa City Area and use your home zip code. You may also pledge by texting “BZP” to 772937.

 The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of more than 1,000 members, actively fosters a better business environment through community and economic development, member services and public policy advocacy.