09 Dec Port of Kennewick Honors 2015 “Friends of the Port“
Kennewick, WA – The Port of Kennewick’s Tim Arntzen, chief executive officer, announced this year, in recognition of the incredible participation and significant involvement by citizens in Port projects, staff chose to bestow two 2015 “Friend of the Port” awards.
Rich Cummins, president of Columbia Basin College was chosen for his involvement in the Port of Kennewick’s Vista Field redevelopment and community planning process. Cummins served as volunteer chairman for the Vista Vision Task Force, a 50+ member citizen committee tasked with meeting for a full year; gathering community input; and providing recommendations to Commissioners for the final Vista Field Master Plan. On Tuesday, the Port Commission presented Mr. Cummins with a plaque in recognition of the tremendous time, energy, and effort he expended running the meetings, keeping participants focused and engaged; and working to ensure an inclusive, sustainable, community-driven plan.
“Every so often the Port has an opportunity to recognize someone special for making an extra effort; for taking time to share of their talent and their energies; for caring enough about our community to go above and beyond what is expected, what they are paid to do, or what most people would even consider necessary. This year we chose to recognize Rich Cummins for doing all of that and more,” stated Arntzen.
Port officials also recognized and presented a plaque to Dara and John Foster, citizens of historic downtown Kennewick for purchasing basalt benches for the Clover Island boat launch scenic viewpoint.
“The Foster’s partnership on this project demonstrates their personal stewardship of Clover Island, and a selfless devotion to our region’s quality of life,” continued Arntzen. “This couple often walks the island, and they identified a need for shoreline seating. When they approached Port staff, they told us they wanted to put their treasure where their heart is, and they wanted to be part of bringing renewed vibrancy to Kennewick’s historic downtown. As a result, they stepped up and donated three beautiful basalt benches, with polished-tops, for installation at the boat launch. Their investment means that families will now have a place to enjoy the river, and to safely wait while boats are being launched.”
“We are pleased to recognize both Rich Cummins, and Dara and John Foster,” added Port Commission President Don Barnes. “The Fosters have a passion for downtown Kennewick and wanted to do their part to create a vibrant waterfront. And Rich Cummins understood that an actively engaged leadership team would be crucial to shaping the future of Vista Field.”
Continued Barnes, “Rich and the Fosters truly embody service above self. They looked beyond their own needs to benefit the greater regional community. They invested their time, their talents, and their treasures. Simply put, they represent the very best in citizen participation and activism. For that we are ever grateful; and we thank and honor them as our 2015 Friends of the Port.”