The 2020 Champion of Change award was presented to Mayor Todd Barton for his efforts during a tumultuous and unprecedented year.
“In 2020, we couldn’t be more grateful for the leadership of (Barton) and it is our great pleasure to present him with the inaugural Champion of Change award,” Chamber board of directors president Tracy Mobley said. “Mayor Barton’s ability to quickly respond to the health disaster by bringing together professionals across departments and industries has been impressive to say the least.”
The new award from the Chamber is to be presented to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Mobely said.
“His response has undoubtedly helped to keep Crawfordsville and Montgomery County in the best possible position to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,” Mobely said. “In an already unbelievably difficult year to navigate, Mayor Barton was also proactive in recognizing, addressing and acting upon issues related to racial equality and police reform.”
Other reasons listed by Mobley and the Chamber include investing in police body cameras, openly engaging in dialogue with the community, forming the Mayor’s special commission on racial equality, recommending policy and ordinance changes, shaping community education and outreach programs, bringing Fusion 54 to fruition, attracting the Stellar Community Grant and making the city a more attractive, inviting and safer place for potential new members of the workforce.
The award was presented to Barton by Mobley and NFP Insurance Agent Tim McCormick.
