FAIRBORN — Members of Fairborn City Council have been recognized as community advocates by the Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce and made history at its annual banquet April 21 by being the first city council to earn the chamber’s President’s Award.
“The award is given out annually for community service work, sometimes to individuals or a group,” Fairborn Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Owen said. ” … I’m honored to give this award out … and we certainly thank you for your service.”
At the same time council earned the president’s award, Fairborn Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick earned the Jack Huelsman award; Dr. Alicia Eckhart, superintendent of the Parks and Recreation Division, picked up the Ambassador Award and Danielle Wolfe, Income Tax Division revenue manager, was given the City of Fairborn Award.
The award is given annually by the chamber’s board president. While the chamber distributed individual plaques to each member, some saw it as a testiment to the “teamwork” mentality between city employees and council when it comes to moving the city forward.
“I’m not big on plaques and those kinds of things, but this one was especially meaningful in that it represented everyone working together,” Fairborn Council member Marilyn McCauley said. “That, to me, is … what it is meant for because the schools, chamber, staff — everybody — has worked together to move Fairborn forward and that’s why it has a special meaning to me.”
“Thanks to the chamber for awarding it, but thanks to everyone involved in the city for making it happen,” she added.
Council will meet once again 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 8 in a work session within the Fairborn Government Center, 44 W. Hebble Avenue. The will meet in a regular meeting 6 p.m. Monday, May 15 within Council Chambers of the Fairborn Government Center. A citizens forum, an open floor-like discussion that is open to the public, is slated for 7 p.m. Monday, May 22 at Fairborn Senior Housing, 221 N. Central Avenue. The theme for the citizens forum is the Fairborn Veterans Memorial Project.
“This group (city council) works harder than ever and they work well together,” Fairborn Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick said. “… This award also belongs to the city staff because you work with us and that makes a big difference when it comes to accomplishing the business of the community … We don’t always agree …, but we respect each other and we treat each other with honor and respect. I want to say as the mayor — you guys are great.”
