The Edge of Excellence - 2007 Annual Business Awards
(watch the video)
Business Leader of the Year

By Bruce Tiemann, Marketing Communications Manager

RuffaloCODY founder and CEO Al Ruffalo was one of three 2008 Laureates inducted into the Junior Achievement of East Central Iowa Hall of Fame during a black tie gala in Cedar Rapids on October 2.

According to Junior Achievement Marketing Director Laura Popelka, inductees must be "outstanding business leaders who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. They also must have accomplished significant business and personal goals while making East Central Iowa a better place to live."

An independent committee carefully judges Laureates on several criteria, including the impact on their industries or organizations; their integrity as ethical business leaders; their commitment to bettering the community; and leadership qualities that make them exemplary role models, especially to the children of East Central Iowa.

Ruffalo's nomination cited his many contributions to the local business economy, beginning with the founding of RuffaloCODY in 1991 and its growth today into the leading provider of telephone fundraising services and software for nonprofit organizations, serving more than 500 clients.

The nomination also listed Ruffalo's selection as one of the 'Emerging Entrepreneurs of the Year' in 1994 by Inc. Magazine, Merrill Lynch and Ernst & Young; RuffaloCODY's recognition by Inc. Magazine as the nation's 26th fast growing privately held company in 1995; and last year’s inclusion of RuffaloCODY in the list of America’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies, again by Inc. Magazine; and the 'Edge of Excellence' Award recognition in the catagories of Business Growth and Business Leadership in 2007 by the Edge Business Journal.

Ruffalo's well-established record of philanthropic community service and leadership also factored into his selection as a 'Hall of Fame' Laureate.

His volunteer efforts on behalf of numerous organizations were noted, including: Junior Achievement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Heart Association, United Way, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Club, Variety Club, Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids History Center, Mt. Mercy College, Loras College and the Eastern Iowa Economic Counsel.