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Bob Griffith named Mt. Pleasant Citizen of the Year
Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce names the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Ambassador of the year, Volunteer of the Year, and Community Impact Award recipient at its annual banquet
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Alliance announced last year’s Volunteer of the Year, Bob Griffith, as this year’s Citizen of the Year at its annual banquet dinner celebrating the Mt. Pleasant community Thursday night.
Surrounded by festively decorated tables and an atmosphere of celebration, Chamber Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen described the Citizen of the Year Griffith as an individual that has lived a life of service.
All God’s Creatures highlighted their recent start remodeling their animal shelter. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Another table at the banquet featured a fun and colorful Mardi Gras theme. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Two Rivers Bank leaned into a financial complete with a miniature ATM. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
“They are committed and devoted to the Mt. Pleasant community,” she said. “They are described as selfless, dedicated and always there to lend a helping hand. They can be found volunteering at many community events: Midwest Old Threshers gates, Festival of Lights, Main Street and Chamber of Commerce events, election official at the courthouse on election, serving on city council and appointed committees and a proud Rotarian. Not only are they a great volunteer, they gave their career as a servant to this community. They have a strong sense of purpose and make a positive difference in the lives around them. Actions are guided by a deep belief in the importance of serving others and contributing to the greater good!”
“The Mt. Pleasant community is a better place because Bob Griffith lives his life with a servant’s heart,” Lindeen concluded.
The sentiment of gratitude went both ways between the community and Griffith.
“You guys contribute a lot to this community,” Griffith said upon accepting his award. “So, it really belongs to everybody.”
“Mt. Pleasant means so much to me,” Griffith said. “I mean, it’s my home, it’s my life. I just love this community and I hope I contribute something to it. My life has changed a lot these last few yeas and Mt. Pleasant is my life, thank you.”
Alongside recognizing Griffith, the chamber also recognized Mark Hempen as the Volunteer of the Year.
“Each year, Chamber staff members select the Volunteer of the Year to recognize an individual who, through tireless effort and commitment, has had a significant impact on our organization and community,” Lindeen said. “This past year, every time we asked, he said yes! This person is often a smiling welcoming face at many of our Chamber events; including Ribbon Cuttings, Alive After 5’s, helping with Crafts in the Park setup and being an emcee. Congratulations to this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Mark Hempen!”
Additionally, Ambassador of the Year went to John and Janet Roederer.
“The group of Ambassador volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization and community,” Lindeen said. “They rushed out to celebrate those that opened a business or celebrated a milestone in 2023. Our ambassadors take their job seriously and always do so with a smile. This past year, there were two very special Ambassadors that we can always count on. Congratulations to John and Janet Roederer!”
This year, the chamber’s special events committee revamped the Community Impact Award and asked chamber members to nominate a business, nonprofit, group or event that made Mt. Pleasant and Henry County a better place to live, work, and play. With that in mind, the 2024 Community Impact Award went to St. Alphonsus Church.
“This year’s Community Impact Award is being given to a church that hosted a 5K Fun Run/Walk to help bring awareness to arthritis,” 2024 Chamber Board President Alicia Yocum said. “ St. Alphonsus Church is named after Saint Alphonsus Liguori. He is the Patron Saint of all those suffering from the crippling effects of arthritis. His body was filled with arthritis as many people are still filled with it today. Through the efforts of a morning 5K, the church was able to donate over $4600 to the Arthritis Foundation and have a little fun along the way. Congratulations to St. Alphonsus Church for this year’s Community Impact Award.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
