John Pappajohn has announced the launch of the fifth annual John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition, which aims to stimulate business development and provide support for outstanding business plans. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to the top three submitted business plans. The first round of the competition takes place between March 1 and April 30. Businesses are invited to submit business information at www.iowabusinessplancompetition.com.

Ames-based 3D MRI visualization software company BodyViz will be featured during tonight’s airing of “Biggest Loser Couples” at 7 p.m. on NBC-TV. During the show, a doctor will use BodyViz software to show the contestants the inside of their bodies in 3D. BodyViz won the John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition in 2009, and was featured in an Oct. 10 Business Record article. To read the article click here.

Touchstone Executive Development will hold a seven-week course called “The Leadership Imperative” that is designed to help develop the attitude, skills and qualities necessary for professional and personal success. Sessions are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays from Jan. 19 to March 2 at Hampton Inn West Des Moines, 7060 Lake Drive. For more information or to register, go to www.touchstone-development.net.

GuideOne Insurance named H. Lynn Horak as lead director of its board of directors effective Jan. 28, the company announced today. Horak replaces Lynn Vorbrich, who is retiring from GuideOne’s board. Horak has served on the board since April 2007, and was chairman of the board and CEO for Wells Fargo Bank Iowa before retirement.

Patrick Meyer, president and CEO of Pella Corp., has joined the Iowa Business Council. Membership to the 24-member council is by invite only and consists of the top executives of 20 of Iowa’s largest employers, the three Regent universities, and Iowa’s largest banking association. Meyer was appointed president and CEO of Pella in December 2009.

Barrie Christman, chair of Principal Bank, has been named vice president of the Federal Reserve Board’s 12-member Thrift Institutions Advisory Council for 2010. The council is an advisory group that discusses developments relating to thrift institutions, the housing industry, mortgage finance and regulatory issues. Christman was first appointed to the council on Jan. 1, 2009, and has worked in the banking industry for more than 35 years.

Marsh USA Inc. will host a corporate breakfast to highlight its corporate partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and to recruit other executives to champion partnership opportunities at their companies. The event will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Thursday at Marsh Global Consumer, 12421 Meredith Drive, Urbandale. For more information or to register, e-mail kschorsch@bbbsia.org.