Mayor Jeff Longwell

Kennesaw, Georgia

“We have so many outstanding organizations, businesses and individuals in Wichita who go the extra mile every day. There is an energy of possibility in Wichita thanks to all of the great efforts to make Wichita the best it can be.”

Mayor Derek Easterling

Kennesaw, Georgia

A friend of mine tells everyone he meets, “If you want something different, you have to do something different.” Change often requires you to go the extra mile to achieve a successful outcome and is created only through involvement and commitment to a purpose. What is your purpose? Won’t you join the City of Kennesaw in going the distance, one mile at a time, to make the world we live in a little better. See you at the finish line …

Mayor Mark W. Eckert

Belleville, Illinois

“The service and volunteer spirit of Belleville’s organizations and citizens are a testimony to the mission of the Extra Mile Foundation.”

Omar Ruiz

Arnold, Missouri

Omar Ruiz is a Police Officer in our Detective Bureau who goes above and beyond the call of duty each and every day. He worked countless hours heading up our emergency operation during the horrific flood during New Year’s Eve on December 2015 and during the next months ahead. He is always there to help with whatever is asked of him and never any complaint.

Teresa Kohut

Arnold, Missouri

Teresa Kohut is the Recreation Center Supervisor for the City of Arnold. Teresa heads up our Recreation Center, oversees planning, design, implementation and management of recreational programs, activities and special events in the areas of adults and youth services. She is in charge of “Our Arnold Days” that is held in September each year. During the flood of 2015/2016 Teresa made sure that all Public Works members, the team from the FEMA Organization, the National Guard, all employees of the city of Arnold, and building inspectors from various other cities that were here to help were all fed three meals a day. She not only called our city businesses to donate food, but went to pick up each meal and served everyone. Everyone needs an employee like Teresa. Teresa won the Mayor’s Appreciation Award in 2014 for her outstanding work on the “Memorial Garden” plus other work at the 911 Memorial that is held each year on September 11th.

Bill Knittig

Arnold, Missouri

Bill Knittig is the head of our Aging and Disabilities Commission here in Arnold. He has been the chair person for the last 13 plus years. Bill does so much for our aging citizens in the community and his work is paramount. He takes care of all paperwork and makes sure that we have the latest Governor’s Council on the Legislative Update each year. During the last two years he has worked on a Strategic Plan and now has it an almost final stage. The City of Arnold is so lucky to have someone of his talents.

Mary Ellen Cox

Arnold, Missouri

Mary Ellen Cox is the Executive Secretary to the Mayor and City Administrator here in Arnold. Her work never ends. She puts in countless hours for the City, Council, all Departments, and whoever needs help. She won the “Mayor’s Appreciation Award in 2015” for her outstanding work.

Bond Implementation Commission

Hickory, North Carolina

The Bond Implementation Commission is an advisory board to City Council on the bond projects, budget, timeframes and more. The primary projects are the City Walk, Riverwalk, Streetscapes and Gateways in which they have, and continue to dedicate a considerable amount of time to meetings, planning, and fruition of the projects.

Charles “Charlie” Dixon

Hickory, North Carolina

Mr. Charles Dixon practiced law for more than 60 years in Hickory. He was recognized as a key leader in the community serving professionally and personally in an unsurpassed manner. Mr. Dixon served on the Bond Implementation Commission until his passing on July 5, 2016.

Hickory Kiwanis/Kiwanis Club of Western Catawba County

Hickory, North Carolina

Hickory Kiwanis/Kiwanis Club of Western Catawba County were instrumental in fundraising efforts for the splash pad at Kiwanis Park/Zahra Baker Playground. To commemorate their 100th Anniversary they set their goal to raise $100,000 to be used for construction of the splash pads. This was in addition to their role previously in the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground.

BARRE Rotary Trash Pickers

Barre City. Vermont

Every Thursday evening (while weather allows), you can see the Barre Rotary Trash Pickers in their brightly colored safety vests going through downtown wielding tongs and trash bags. The ten members of the Trash Pickers estimate that they’ve picked up 7,124 gallons of garbage from the streets of Barre since they started five years ago. Having less trash around may be part of why foot traffic is increasing, and the pickers do report that they see a lot more people walking around downtown Barre in the evenings now than when they started.

Charlie Livendale

Barre City. Vermont

Charlie Livendale is a member of the Lions Club, where he’s active with the club in all fundraisers, including the Christmas tree sales and the annual Haunted House. He also regularly collects eyeglasses from local opticians for Lions Club International. Since 2004 Charlie has also helped his wife Linda with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together they form a team each year in their son’s memory for the Out of the Darkness Walk, through which they have raised more than $76,000 for suicide prevention.

Lucas Herring

Barre City. Vermont

Lucas Herring’s community service includes five years as a Barre City Councilor, seven years of service on various school boards, and accomplished terms of service on the boards of the Barre Partnership, Vermont Granite Museum, the Vermont State Employees’ Association, and the American Legion in Vermont, reading tutor with Everybody Wins!, coaching and player statistics for the Barre Youth Sports Association, and cooking for the Hedding Methodist Church community Christmas dinner.

Barbara Fantoni

Barre City. Vermont

Barbara Fantoni’s service began in the 1940’s with Girl Scouts, and continued for the next seven decades to include PTO, Cub Scouts, Home Dem and the East Barre Congregational Church. Her projects include making small quilts for those in need and making pies to sell for the benefit of the fire dept.

Mayor Harry LaRosiliere

Plano, Texas

“We have what we call the Plano Promise and one tenant of the promise is: Our community will nurture our children. This year we witnessed an outpouring of support in our third annual peanut butter drive. Our citizens exceeded last year’s collection by over 100% and donated 26,000 pounds of peanut butter to support our children and ensure they are fed.”

Joe Carbone

Bridgeport, Connecticut

President and CEO of The Workplace: Mr. Carbone has worked feverishly to make a difference in the Bridgeport community by bringing resource and funding to impact our community though an entrepreneurial approach on workforce and economic development pursuits. Joe’s ability to leverage resources and access funding has provided a comprehensive framework of services for Bridgeport residents including, but not limited to programs serving the long-term unemployed, mature workers and returning citizens.

LifeBridge Community Services

Bridgeport, Connecticut

LifeBridge Community Services is a nonprofit organization that provides a “holistic service approach and has a positive impact on the quality of life and economic health of the Bridgeport community. LifeBridge programs that influences economic empowerment, behavioral health, social enterprises and youth services.

Aerotek

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Aerotek is an employment agency that has provided support and employment opportunities for the Mayor’s Initiative on Reentry Affairs (MIRA), which addresses various needs of Bridgeport residents returning to the community from correctional facilities. Aerotek has displayed a willingness to work with people in need of a Second Chance. They have been committed to providing employment opportunities that assist out residents with becoming productive members of the Bridgeport community while providing opportunities to work and support their families and community.

Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust (BNT)

Bridgeport, Connecticut

BNT is a private, nonprofit, community base organization that develops affordable housing with 1/3 of its Board representing the low-income community it serves. BNT’s mission is to lead, empower and change Bridgeport neighborhoods by improving quality of life through affordable opportunities, healthy homes and comprehensive home ownership counseling. In addition, they make every effort to hire those that may need a Second Chance in life.

Louis L. Reed

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Louis L. Reed serves as the (volunteer) Program Manager of the Mayor’s Initiative on Reentry Affairs (MIRA) for the City of Bridgeport. He has a great deal of passion for his community and has committed his life to empowering and coaching those in need of targeted re-entry services. He addresses the needs of returning citizens challenged with the difficulties of facing imprisonment, being imprisoned, and/or re-entering into society. Louis provides exemplary life coaching, re-entry, and recovery-based services to individuals who “are in need of mobilizing their inner resources and tapping into greater potential to live a more purposeful life.” Louis’ background and credibility allows him to connect and develop trusting relationships with our returning citizens. He has made over referrals that ensured his participant’s access to resources, supportive services and employment opportunities – which for so many have been life changing.grateful for their efforts.”

Mayor Joseph Ganim

Bridgeport, Connecticut

“Going the extra mile is putting the needs of others before your own. It means doing far more than what is simply required; and standing up for something you believe in – even when it is not the popular thing to do. It requires passion, humility and strength. It may start with one person but its effects inspire a whole community. The hardworking individuals and organizations that have gone the extra mile in Bridgeport have each in their own way raised the quality of life in our city, and we are forever grateful for their efforts.”

Ralph F. Page

Norwich, Connecticut

Mr. Page had served on Norwich’s Commission on The City Plan for 37 years and served as Chairman for 31 years. He also served on the Inland Wetlands, Water Courses and Conservation Commission for 37 years. This is a Norwich resident that decided long ago he would donate his time and talents to improving our City and moving her forward. He has utilized his architectural background to ensure that new projects in the City comply with our Plan of Conservation and Development. In 1990 he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Contribution for the Protection of the Environment. He is a Justice of the Peace and has traditionally provided transportation for the elderly and disabled citizens to the polling locations.

Robert Harper and Patrick Harper

Canton, Ohio

When Bob and Pat Harper heard that the City of Canton did not have the financial means to put on the fireworks display for Independence Day at the William McKinley Monument, they stepped up and rallied the community to back the celebration. Bob and Pat raised approximately $33,000 in donations they sought from major corporate residents and individuals. Without the Harpers, the skies of Canton would have been dark for the fourth. With their help, and the amazing outpouring of support from donors large and small, the city was able to celebrate Independence Day together with the traditions many have grown to love.

Mayor William J. Barlow, Jr.

Oswego, New York

“The strong sense of community we have in the City of Oswego is one of many reasons our residents choose to live here and in my case, the single biggest reason I returned to Oswego after attending college out of state. I urge our residents to further strengthen that sense of community on November 1st and ‘go that extra mile’ and show the rest of the region why Oswego is a friendly and community oriented City.”

Mayor Marti Shamberger

Morgantown, West Virginia

“I have had great examples throughout my life of people who ‘go the extra mile.’ These are individuals who give of themselves without the expectation of being recognized. Acts of kindness, treating people with dignity, and being a voice for those who need help are a few of the actions I witness daily. I believe through these actions we are leaving our world a better place.”

Shannon Jackson, Elton McEntire, Oliver Sperin and Christopher Thompson

Lawrenceville, Georgia

“Shannon Jackson, Elton McEntire, Oliver Sperin and Christopher Thompson are commended for their aid in helping the residents of the city of Starke, Florida, after Hurricane Matthew hit this area. The crew worked from daylight to dark each day. They were working in difficult circumstances, but worked until the job was completed. I appreciate the willingness of these workers to volunteer for this duty, knowing that they would be leaving their families to aid others. It is an honor to be the Mayor of the City of Lawrenceville because of the dedication of the employees of the City of Lawrenceville.” – Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson

Al Richards

West Jordan, Utah

Al Richards is always smiling and giving back to the community. Whether it’s through volunteer service on a city committee like the Healthy West Jordan Committee or the Western Stampede Committee or raising money for the police department’s Peer Support Program, Al is willing to give his time and talents for a good cause. He also serves as the Chamber of Commerce’s member relations ambassador and is a great asset to our business community.

David Lewis

Hamden, Connecticut

David Lewis is the Captain of Hamden’s Civilian Emergency Response Team. Hamden’s CERT has provided logistical support to the CT Special Olympics, Hamden Chamber of Commerce, Hamden Youth Service Bureau, Hamden Parks & Recreation, Town Center Park Commission, Hamden Arts and Veteran’s Commissions, as well as the Hamden Volunteer Firefighters. Mr. Lewis is an integral part of these support operations, and without his leadership many events held throughout Hamden would not be possible.

Lucas Alexander

Hamden, Connecticut

Lucas Alexander began volunteering in Hamden Youth Services three years ago and has accomplished over 100 hours of volunteer service. Due to his hard work and dedication to the Hamden Farmers Market this year, Lucas received the Lead Volunteer Role. Lucas Alexander truly loves his volunteer activities and is motivated by a challenge. He greatly admires U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and aspires to devote his life to public service. Lucas is a Hamden resident entering his freshman year at Hamden High School. Lucas enjoys music, history and writing. Hamden Youth Services looks forward to future motivational endeavors with Lucas Alexander.

Craig Dearing

West Jordan, Utah

On the list of individuals who’ve given of themselves in the service to our City, Craig Dearing would certainly be at the top. Craig has devoted more than 40 years to our community. He founded the Chamber of Commerce in 1986 and served as president until 2014. He formed the West Jordan Rotary Club in 1987 and was instrumental in starting the West Jordan Exchange Club in 2003 – and is still an active member in both these organizations today. Over the years, Craig has served on many committees, boards, and organizations. He’s helped chair city events and community improvement projects. Craig has not just served our city – he’s been an integral part of shaping it and guiding its progress while championing the ideal that no matter how large we grow, we will always be the “Home of the Good Neighbor.”

Bonnie Hutchings

West Jordan, Utah

Bonnie Hutchings is one of the original members of the Volunteers in Police Service program. She joined the newly organized unit in July of 2008 and splits her volunteer time between the victim advocate unit and the police department. As a victim advocate, Bonnie helps those in crisis get the help they need. She has also worked in the warrants units; assisted the training department with various assignments including new hire training assessments; participated in SWAT scenarios; and assisted with the Citizen Police Academy. Bonnie has a positive attitude, a willingness to help and a very compassionate spirit.

Jen Campbell

West Jordan, Utah

Jen Campbell recently served as the president of the West Jordan Exchange Club where they focus on child abuse prevention, patriotism, and instilling community pride. Under her direction, they raised funds for the Children’s Justice Center and also partnered with Dannon to provide scholarships to local students who had excelled in the face of adversity. She is the director of South Valley Services, a domestic violence shelter that provides safe shelter; resource and referral services; and self-sufficiency programs for survivors of domestic violence. She has helped open two community resource centers in West Jordan City Hall and Riverton and works continually to strengthen the relationship between South Valley Services and law enforcement.

Melissa Worthen

West Jordan, Utah

In both her personal and professional lives, Melissa Worthen looks for ways to strengthen the community. She is the driving force behind the City Journal’s community foundation; spearheads the annual Spelling Bee; serves as the liaison with Mascots for Miracles; helps with a fundraiser for the Rape Recovery Center; helps coordinate the Pumpkinpalooza event; serves on the Chamber of Commerce’s Women In Business Council; and much more. Melissa goes the extra mile and our community is better because of it.

Brandi Tonkel

Rapid City, South Dakota

Brandi has given a voice to over 1,100 children who have been referred to her for possible abuse and the majority were referred for sexual abuse. Brandi is a forensic interviewer and works very hard to advocate for the children with the goal of getting the necessary information for the child without causing repeat trauma with multiple interviews.

Charley Basham

Placerville, California

Charley and the Committee have gone to great lengths to work with City staff to promote and improve the visitor experience at Gold Bug Park and Mine.

Dave and Cindy Brazelton

Placerville, California

For over twenty years Dave and Cindy Brazelton have provided manpower and equipment to decorate a two hundred and fifty foot Redwood tree to the delight of visitors to Downtown Placerville each holiday season.

Christine Thiel, Committee Chair, Community Pride

Placerville, California

Community Pride is a volunteer committee that maintains and constructs community gardens and displays of art. The group raises their own money and volunteers their time to maintain community gardens throughout the City. Recently the committee promoted and assisted with fund raising for a new Monument Garden located on Main Street.

Gordon Vicini (Joe Vicini, Inc.) and Jim Carter, (Carter Kelley Inc.)

Placerville, California

Gordon Vicini and Jim Carter are a great example of community members that can get things done. Recently Gordon and Jim were instrumental in getting construction under way for the new Boys and Girls Club facility in Placerville.

Doug Veerkamp, Doug Veerkamp Engineering

Placerville, California

Doug Veerkamp has made a big difference in Placerville through his volunteer work. Recently our Gold Bug Park needed some work done to add historic elements for display. Mr. Veerkamp volunteered time, equipment and materials to make the project possible.

Priscilla Noble

Rapid City, South Dakota

Priscilla has worked for the Career Learning Center for 21 years. She is able to give her customers renewed hope, confidence, and spirit. She sees every person she works with as being “wonderful” and seeks out the good in each and every client.

Friends of Hickory

Hickory, North Carolina