On November 16, the City of Columbus was awarded the Community of the Year Award by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner in Indianapolis.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop and Executive Director of Administration Mary Ferdon received the award with many city staff and Columbus business representatives in the audience. Jim Schacht, Executive Director of Corporate Responsibility for Cummins, Inc. introduced Lienhoop and spoke about the long-term relationship between Cummins, Inc. and Columbus. “The history and culture of our company are deeply rooted in the community of Columbus, Indiana, and I believe in many ways our company’s founders discovered in Columbus a perfect environment in which to thrive; one of collaboration and partnership, one of hard work and planning; one of patience and persistence. These are characteristics which have been adopted from our community and which have allowed us to grow and prosper. And these are characteristics that define Columbus and its leaders today.”
In accepting the award, Lienhoop focused on some of the city’s many achievements over the past few years including the railroad overpass, COVID Task Force, response to substance abuse and addiction through ASAP, downtown apartments and grocer, creation of Evolution, a Public Safety Training Facility, broadband expansion and renovation of a failed shopping mall into NexusPark, a health, wellness and recreation hub.
Lienhoop highlighted the partnerships with businesses, education, healthcare and other organizations which made these achievements possible. He joked about only having two minutes to discuss the city’s accomplishments, “I could go on and on, talking about what we’ve done and what we plan to do. But, you get the idea. To bring out your best, to accomplish your utmost, hire the best people you can find, and seek great partners”.
Mayor Lienhoop and Mary Ferdon accepting the Community of the Year Award, November 16, 2022
Mayor Lienhoop and Mary Ferdon accepting the Community of the Year Award, November 16, 2022
City of Columbus officials with award, November 16, 2022
Original source can be found here.
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