Marion opens Community Impact Award nominations

MARION — The Marion Chamber of Commerce and city of Marion are accepting applications for the Morris F. Neighbor Community Impact Award. Nominations are open and will be accepted through Dec. 15 at 11:15 p.m.

Community Impact Award nominees may be an individual, couple or organization whose volunteerism and outstanding service and dedication have made a significant impact on the Marion community. Ideal candidates exhibit the following attributes:

• Has made a positive difference in the lives of fellow residents;

• Continually volunteers in the Marion community;

• Demonstrates the spirit of collaboration and is enthusiastic about the community and its residents;

• Models honesty and integrity, exemplary character, and leadership either as an individual or through an organization. 0

The recipient of the award will be recognized and announced by Mayor Nicolas AbouAssaly at the Marion State of the City in January.

The award is named in recognition of banker Morris F. Neighbor. Neighbor began his career at Farmers State Bank in 1945 as a teller and in 1968 he and his wife, Betty, purchased the bank. Through his leadership, the Neighbor family has given to countless capital campaigns, community events, and charitable nonprofit groups. In addition, volunteerism and dedication to community have remained a priority with the family and among bank staff.

“The Neighbor family name is synonymous with generosity,” said Marion Chamber President, Jill Ackerman. “Farmers State Bank is an exceptional corporate citizen because of their leadership and that started with Mr. Morris Neighbor.”

Visit marioncc.org/communityimpact.com to access the nomination form.