Banner photo, DONNA KAYLOR
The White Glove award was presented to LTRO officials by the local Keep America Beautiful organization because of its efforts in rebuilding the community. Attending the event, from left, were Matt Ryerson, co-chair of the LTRO; Bernadette Douglas, executive vice president of the Chamber; Matt Carlson, co-chair of the LTRO; Jim Polier, LTRO director; Jan Runyon, secretary of the KAB’s Business and Industry Committee; Joanne Maskew, local KAB executive director; and Jake Stum, director of programming and development for People for Care and Learning.
The “White Glove” award was presented to officials who have helped “rebuild the community.”
“Members of the Business and Industry committee chose LTRO because of all they have done to bring Bradley County and Cleveland [back] from its many storm-damaged homes,” said Keep America Beautiful executive director Joanne Maskew.
Matt Ryerson and Matt Carlson, co-chairs of the LTRO, were on hand with Jim Polier, director of LTRO, to accept the award.
The White Glove award is presented to members of the business community quarterly, according to Maskew.
According to data provided by LTRO, officials met with 141 families during the past year, six homes have been fully rebuilt by LTRO and partners, 26 repaired, three others are on the drawing board and dozens of affected victims have received appliances provided by Whirlpool Corporation. Dozens of other families have been provided assistance with unmet needs.
LTRO has partnered with a number of local organizations and faith-based groups to rebuild and repair houses.
“Bradley County is a community like no other in the world. When there is a need, there is an individual, a business, industry or organization that recognizes that need and steps up to address it,” Maskew said.
“We are very appreciative of the recognition, but this award goes to everyone in the community who has helped as well as those who have come in from outside of Bradley County to rebuild and/or repair the many storm-damaged homes from April 27, [2011],” Polier said.
