Area leaders honored by Leadership Clinton
More than 230 people gathered to celebrate a bit of history and a spotlight on leaders this Saint Patty’s Day at Roberts Centre. In the crowd were 56 individuals who were honored as nominees for their leadership and efforts benefiting the people of Clinton County in 2009.
John Limbert was awarded the Large Business Leader of the Year for his business leadership and crucial efforts as Chairman of the Clinton County Port Authority in negotiating the donation of the Air Park back to the community. Working closely with DHL leadership and the CCPA Board, John has helped to craft a donation agreement that is acceptable to DHL and also creates an enticing business environment for the Air Park. He has been at the heart of an ongoing story that has captured the attention of Clinton County, the state, the region and the nation.
Headed to the National Community Leadership Conference in Fort Worth in April as Clinton County’s nominee for the National Community Leader Award is Regional Planning Director Christian Schock who was handed the 2009 Civic Leader of the year award. Chris was recogonized for his efforts as a leader and a liaison, encouraging and supporting collaboration among businesses and non-profits throughout Clinton County. An advocate for small businesses and organizations, Chris creatively assists them in seeking funding, finding solutions and opening lines of communication. His thoughtfulness is key in assisting businesses and organizations to improve their collaborative efforts.
Recognized for his business leadership and actions working with Buy Local, the Main Street beautification project (in conjunction with Christine Krisa), housing the winter Farm Market and many other initiatives and organizations aimed at helping local business owners and the community was Phil Swindler who earned the Small Business Leader of the Year award. Through his family business, he has maintained and strengthened relationships with the community and customers demonstrating the importance and value of locally-owned and operated small businesses. Phil also lent leadership as a board member during the reorganization of the Chamber of Commerce and the Clinton County YMCA.
The Youth Leader of the Year ward was presented to Bexlie Beam of Wilmington High School for her motivation, leadership, and volunteerism while involved in her school, 4-H, FFA and the community. Bexlie was selected to attend National Youth Leadership forums on Medicine, Leadership and Law. She is a National FFA Delegate and has received the US Achievement Academy Letter of Commendation recognizing her grades and volunteerism. This young woman is an inspiration and role model for peers through her commitment to her education and her passion for her community.
For his actions and volunteerism in support of educating people and growing healthy, fresh, local food for the community through the Grow Food, Grow Hope program, Monte Anderson received the Education Leader of the year award. He has demonstrated strength and positive action in the wake of difficult times for our community.
The Distinquished Alumni Leader of the Year went to Fadi Al-Ghawi for his efforts serving the community and the Clinton County Leadership Institute through his passion for leading, giving, and building. He has continuously proven himself as someone the community can count on when in need. He has given countless hours to organizations such as the Homeless Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, United Way and Relay for Life to name a few.
The Clinton County Foundation whose mission is to administer donated funds to charitable organizations throughout the community took home the Community Organization Leader of the Year award for thier voluntary efforts which enhance the quality of life in Clinton and surrounding counties by providing an outlet for donations and nurturing a spirit of charitable giving. Accepting the award on behalf of the foundation were President Mike McCarty and treasurer Lori Williams.
Humanitarian Leader of the Year, an award not given every year, was given to the CMH Regional Health System patient advocates for their dedication and professionalism working with CMH patients on financial, medication, social service, transportation and other issues that could interrupt their continuum of care. The unsung heroes of patient care in our community. These are dedicated professionals committed to caring for the underserved population far exceeding expectations. CMHers honored were patient financial counselors Linda Smith, Terri Johnson, Opal Rowland and Michel Smith; Patient Medication Assistance Program (PMAP) volunteers Larry and Charlotte Jones and Steve King; Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center staff Cathy Zeller, Michelle Roth, Tina LeFaive, Jane Vandervort and Ashley Miller; Diabetes Services staff Dawn Lyon, Joyce Hutchens and Linda Falgner Patient financial counselor Kim Yeary, PMAP staffer Bonnie Nicholas, and Clinton Memorial Hospital social workers Lezli Oesterle-Henman and Mallory Pequinot were unable to attend.
Those present enjoyed an evening filled with a flavor of yesterday with décor tied to celebrating Clinton County’s 200 years including historical photo table toppers and barn quilt squares. A multi-media play originally written by emcee and auctioneer Gary Kersey, but directed and revised by Christine Snyder called Led by the Spirit portrayed the Harvey’s a local couple who visited Lincoln to share their concerns about slavery and the need for it to end. The meal also was themed using food that would have been around in the early 1800s which included beef barley soup, roasted vegetables, roasted turkey, venison with cranberry sauce, biscuits and brown betty. The evening was capped off with a live auction and silent auction results with an impressive assortment of items donated as a fundraiser for the institute.
Event sponsors were the Wilmington News Journal, National Bank & Trust, Wilmington College, Ferno, and New Sabina Industries. Leader of the year Awards were sponsored by JAM Jeff Murphy Advertising. The event was chaired by Stephanie Stokes and Diane Murphy with the help of over 30 volunteers and committee members.
“I am inspired by each and every nominee and their efforts, I consider them all a huge part of what makes Clinton County a Great Place to Live,” said the new CCLI Executive Director Sherri Krazl. “I am also very thankful and impressed by the support the Clinton County Leadership Institute receives nearly everywhere we turn be it donation of time, money, goods, or a helping hand. Our volunteers are amazing and the Gala committee did an incredible job of making the event a success in honoring our leaders and celebrating local history!”
About The Clinton County Leadership Institute
Now in its 24th year, the Clinton County Leadership Institute (CCLI) is an independent, public benefit, 501(c)(3) corporation that provides opportunities for community-minded participants to network, to learn about Clinton County and to assume leadership roles in their communities. The Institute is funded through corporate and private donations, tuition fees, grants and FUNdraising events, such as this Leadership Gala and the Fall Classic Golf Outing, which is held annually on the first Monday of October. Current programs of CCLI include Leadership Clinton, Leadership Clinton Youth Collaborative, and NoonTime College. To find out more about CCLI visit www.cclead.org, follow us on Twitter, and fan us on Facebook.