Iowa Blue Zones officials are congratulating Decorah for being chosen for a site visit.

Iowa Blue Cross and Blue Shield officials say their review of Blue Zone applications showed clear differences between the small and large communities that had applied for Blue Zone designation.  That's what led to the decision to have a group of larger Blue Zone communities and a second group of smaller Blue Zone communities.

Decorah has been named as one of small communities that will be visited by Blue Zone officials to learn more about the community's leadership and commitment.  Wellmark says Decorah community leaders will have the opportunity to learn more about the resources available, including Blue Zones principles and how to leverage the tools available to them. The visits are anticipated to occur in the summer.