The Decatur Daily Democrat

City of Decatur earns Large Business Award

The annual dinner of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce being held April 11 at the K of C Hall hands out several awards to deserving citizens and businesses.

One of the major awards given out every year is the Large Business Award that is given to a business or industry with 25 or more employees, demonstrat­es apparent consistent success, good corporate citizenry, has a concern for the well-being of the community, and should have management and personnel who actively participat­e in civic organizati­ons and/or other community activities.

All of those goals easily are rendered daily by the 2024 Large Business Award which will be bestowed upon the City of Decatur.

In the nomination form, it was noted the city demonstrat­es success by “providing services for the community such as maintainin­g water, wastewater, and storm water utilities; public safety of police and fire; residentia­l and heavy trash; yard waste and recycling collection­s along with the compost site; street cleaning and snow removal; post of signs and street maintenanc­e; provides buildings for rentals to be used for classes, meetings, and gatherings at the Madison Street Plaza, The Hive Art Gallery, Pennsy Depot, Riverside Center, and the MERIT Center.”

Further, it was noted the Parks Department has at least a dozen parks including a sports complex, walking trails, nature preserve, dog and skate part, pickleball courts and fishing ponds. The City has had an increase in housing developmen­ts with annexation­s and building improvemen­ts.

As to how Decatur shows good corporate citizenry, the nomination said “the City of Decatur employs approximat­ely 125 employees, full-time, part-time, and seasonal. The leadership and employees continue to make improvemen­ts to the quality of life in the community by adding and improving the amenities that make Decatur a wonderful place to call home.”

Some of the civic organizati­ons and groups the city is involved with, many on a daily basis, include the North Adams Community Schools, the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, Decatur Main Street, Adams County Government, Adams County Community Foundation, Adams County Council on Aging, Adams County Solid Waste Management District, Adams Memorial Hospital, the North Adams Arts Council, and the Decatur Sculpture Tour.

Persons interested in attending the Chamber dinner may make a reservatio­n by calling 7242604. Tickets are $25 each with a social hour starting at 5:45 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.