Iola resident appears on Times Square billboard

IOLA - It may be a first for Iola: resident Justin Moen appeared on a billboard in New York City’s Times Square last week.

Moen, a radio and digital marketing specialist with NRG Media, was featured Feb. 27 on a digital display in Times Square as part of a national promotional campaign connected to his recent professional recognition.

“It was quite a thrill,” Moen said. “It certainly was not on my bingo card of life, but it’s such an honor to be selected to be on a 22-story digital billboard in Times Square in New York City. That distinction is typically reserved for celebrities, and even then, some celebrities don’t get this opportunity, so I’m quite humbled by the recognition.”

Moen was selected last summer for inclusion in the Marquis Who’s Who in America program and was also featured on the cover of the 21st edition of Marquis Millennium Magazine, a publication distributed to those listed in the organization.

The Marquis Who’s Who honors people like Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, athletes, artists, entertainers, corporate executives and accomplished individuals around the country. Moen was previously selected to be part of Marquis Who’s Who Among America’s High School Students and Marquis Who’s Who Among America’s College Students.

Moen has more than 20 years of experience in radio broadcasting and won five awards from the Wisconsin Broadcaster’s Association during his career. He has worked with NRG Media since 2021, which includes Big Cheese 107.9 WBCV, Classic Rock 103.3 WGLX, Today’s Best Country Y106.5 WYTE and Hot 96.7 WHTQ. He was named the company’s Salesperson of the Year in 2021 and 2022.

Moen said he was selected for Marquis Who’s Who for both his professional accomplishments and for his work in the community. At Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Iola, Moen served as call committee chairperson for more than three years during a search for a pastor. He also makes the church’s Sunday morning announcements and was recently elected council president.

During the Iola Car Show, Moen serves as director of the Cruise of Honor for veterans from the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. Since being selected, he’s also taken the role as Town of Iola Clerk.

Moen is an Iola native who graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He said he considers the Times Square feature an honor and an opportunity to represent his hometown.

“This wouldn’t happen without the great people in our community who have been with me and supported me throughout my life,” he said. “The people of Iola have helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m so glad to be part of that. To be able to represent my hometown and community means the world to me, and something I don’t take for granted with this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Whether it’s the first time an Iola resident has appeared on a billboard in Times Square or not, it’s certainly a rare sight. For Moen, however, the recognition is less about the spotlight and more about the impact.

“When you make a positive impact and help others, great things happen,” he said.