Photo provided Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop and city Executive Director of Administration Mary Ferdon accepted the Community of the Year award at the state chamber meeting.
The city of Columbus received the Community of the Year award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce at its annual dinner in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Mayor Jim Lienhoop and city Executive Director of Administration Mary Ferdon accepted the award with many city staff and 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 is 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,” he said. “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 city’s achievements over the past few years including completion of the railroad overpass, formation of the COVID Task Force, response to substance abuse and addiction through ASAP, construction of the downtown apartments and grocer project, creation of the Evolution training center, a Public Safety Training facility, broadband expansion and renovation of a former 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.”
Photo provided City officials gathered for a group photo after accepting the Community of the Year award at the state chamber meeting.
