DES MOINES, IA (October 26, 2009) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has recognized Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with a 2009 Economic Impact Award.

The Economic Impact Awards, part of the Partnership’s Celebrate Business Awards, highlight the impact of a company on the local economy in terms of job creation, capital investment and facility expansion. Other 2009 award winners include Aviva USA, Iowa Health – Des Moines and Mercy Medical Center.

Wellmark’s award was presented October 27. The Celebrate Business Awards program is sponsored by the Greater Des Moines partnership, RSM McGladrey and the Des Moines Business Record.

Visit www.wellmark.com  for more information on Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield products and services. For more information on the Celebrate Business Awards, visit www.desmoinesmetro.com.

^{Wellmark, Inc. (www.wellmark.com)does business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Wellmark and its subsidiaries and affiliated companies, including Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc., insure or pay health benefit claims for more than two million members in Iowa and South Dakota. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota, and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.}