The Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission held its annual dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the Ashland Senior Center. Over 60 community leaders representing local governments within the Mid-MO RPC region of Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Howard, and Moniteau counties were in attendance. The Mid-MO RPC represents 44 local governments within this region, and the organization focuses on promotion of community and economic development, transportation planning, supporting regional collaboration and initiatives, and advocacy for the region.
As part of the annual event, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) recognizes local leaders that have provided assistance above and beyond expectation to their community or an RPC planning activity during the past year. This year's award recipients included Norris Gerhart, Mayor of California; Mike Kelley, Tipton Alderman; Steve Engelbrecht, MoDOT Central District Planning Manager; Michelle Kidwell, Callaway County Emergency Management Director; and Lisa Binkley, Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning Project Consultant.
California Mayor Norris Gerhart was recognized for his dedication to making his community "a better place for its residents". Mayor Gerhart has served as Mayor of California since 2001, and is also the President of the California Chamber of Commerce. He also has served on the MidMO RPC Board of Directors since 2006 and currently serves as an officer on the Board.