The Civic Awards Luncheon honors a handful of people and organizations for
their outstanding leadership. They have dedicated their efforts to serving
neighbors, communities, constituents, employees and customers. In doing so, they
have become leaders. Each has significantly contributed to the well being of all
of us. It is important that, as we look to solve the daunting challenges that
face our region, we celebrate those who have so ably served and endeavored to
show the way. They are an example and an inspiration.
There is never a substitute for leadership. No community or organization can
thrive without it. For whatever reason, there are only a precious few who are
willing to role up their sleeves, get to work, and take the risks necessary to
lead. Some say that we have a transportation crisis….or a funding crisis of one
sort or another….or an environmental crisis. In fact, we have all of these and
others. The most pressing problem, however, is a shortage of leaders. This want
for leadership makes every other problem more difficult or even impossible to
solve.
So it is the Municipal League’s distinct honor to recognize the stand out
leaders among us. Each of these remarkable people and organizations has taken
significant risks for what they believe in. They have all labored long and
tirelessly in the fields of government, charity and commerce. In doing so, they
have unmistakably made life better here.
Now here is an opportunity for you to lead. We are now putting together our
Candidate Evaluation Committees for this years candidate rating effort. We need
volunteers from all parts of the county to make this effort successful. No
doubt, it is a big commitment to serve on a CEC committee, but who ever said
that being a leader was easy. Come on, join us.
