Region of Excellence Awards
Regionalism not only encourages collaboration but also the celebration of successful initiatives and innovative local government action. Centralina’s annual Region of Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding achievements in support of Centralina’s mission to expand opportunity and improve quality of life.
Local governments are asked to nominate an innovative project, program, plan or individual that has contributed to significant and positive advancements in the regional community. Each year Centralina asks an independent panel of judges to review and select winners across several categories. Award winners are recognized in front of their peers, creating an opportunity for best practice sharing and relationship building.
Region of Excellence Awards
Centralina is proud to recognize the following 2019 Region of Excellence Awards winners, announced on August 12, 2020.
Cross-Community Collaboration
Strong partnerships and cooperation between local governments not only make our communities stronger but also demonstrate Centralina’s mission of regional collaboration. The recipient of this award actively engaged in counties and/or municipalities outside of their boundaries to develop or implement an innovative project, program or plan.
WINNER: City of Gastonia
The South Fork Regional Utility Consolidation Project
Local Government Innovation
Local governments are being asked to do more with less at a time when the role of government is under increasing scrutiny. Acting strategically, governments must make optimum use of resources while being innovative and bringing value to our communities. The recipient of this award strategically developed or implemented a project, program or plan that delivers measurable value and impact at the local government level.
WINNER: City of Charlotte
The Placemaking Grant Initiative
Improving Quality of Life
The communities across the region aspire to a high-quality of life that enables people of all generations to have the amenities, services and opportunities they need to thrive. The recipient of this award developed or implemented a project, program or plan that enhances the quality of life in their community.
WINNER: City of Gastonia
The Highland Neighborhood Association Initiative
Clean Cities
The mission of the National Clean Cities Program (locally represented by the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition) is to reduce petroleum dependence, improve air quality and expand alternative fuel use and technology. The recipient of this award is a stakeholder organization that best demonstrates leadership and excellence in clean transportation and alternative fuel activities.
WINNER: City of Charlotte
Sustainable Fleet Policies
Aging in Action
Every day, 10,000 people turn 60 years old across the Centralina region. Centralina Area Agency on Aging serves as an advocate, leader and partner in ensuring adults can age with choice, dignity and independence. The recipient of this award serves as a leader in impacting communities so adults can age with choice, dignity and independence.
WINNER: Mecklenburg County
The Dementia Friendly Charlotte-Mecklenburg Initiative
James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership Award
Great leaders can be found at all levels of an organization. Their leadership inspires trust, builds confidence and motivates others to invest time in achieving remarkable results for the region’s communities. The recipient of this award exemplifies and promotes excellence in government, outstanding leadership and high ethical standards.
WINNER: City of Charlotte
Tracy Dodson
Previous Region of Excellence Awards recognized innovative work across the region in the following areas:
Centralina Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (Greater-Gaston-Development-Corp-and-Partners)
The recipient of this award has implemented innovative solutions to community development or investment challenges and engages in best practice strategies that utilize public/private sector partnerships to maximize investment opportunities; prepares existing sites and infrastructure to meet the needs of target industries; and/or implements economic development including job creation/retention initiatives, etc. Past winners include:
- Greater Gaston Development Corp and Partners Gaston County CLT Airport Connected Economic Positioning Strategy (2018)
- Town of Mooresville Workforce and Education Alignment Initiative (2017)
- Gaston County Social Services Customer Self-Help Resource Center (2016)
- City of Kings Mountain Downtown Small Business Success Project (2015)
- Town of Huntersville Strategic Economic Development Plan (2015)
- Town of Davidson “PiES” Project (2014)
- City of Gastonia Technology Park Initiative (2013)
- City of Belmont Small Business Support, Retention and Recruitment Program (2012)
- City of Charlotte, Charlotte Business Resources.com (2012)
Centralina Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (Town-of-Huntersville)
The recipient of this award has been creative in implementing a new or innovative program or initiative that is effective and delivers the most value with public funds. Such program exemplifies efficiency by utilizing economies of scale; partnering with other local governments to maximize the impact of public funds; and/or encouraging best practices to maintain or expand services. Past winners include:
- Town of Huntersville Recreation Center Project (2018)
- Town of Wadesboro Renovated Wadesboro Police Station (2017)
- Iredell County Online Septic Record Search Engine (2016)
- Gaston County Radio Communications Towers Construction Project (2015)
- Cabarrus County Collaborative Technology Services Initiative with Local Education Agencies (2014)
- Town of Cramerton Two Rivers Utilities Partnership (2013)
- Town of Marshville Cost Savers Initiative (2012)
Centralina Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (City-of-Mount-Holly)
The recipient of this award best leverages resources to improve the quality of life for citizens. The award recipient has implemented innovative program offerings such as those that enhance social equity; encourage community participation through public and private sector leadership; develop solutions that build on the community’s strengths and improve upon its weaknesses; or use cooperative volunteerism to maintain or expand services. Past winners include:
- City of Mount Holly River Front Greenway Expansion Project (2018)
- City of Bessemer City Centennial Park Revitalization Project (2017)
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Woodstone After School and Mentoring Program (2017)
- City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Cross Charlotte Trail (2016)
- Gaston County Teen Wellness Center (2016)
- City of Salisbury, Salisbury Sculpture Show (2016)
- Town of Indian Trail Resident Recreational Pass Project (2015)
- Town of Huntersville “S.O.U.L.S.” Program (2014)
- Town of Matthews Sewer Pipe Art Initiative (2014)
- City of Statesville Downtown Streetscape Project (2013)
- Town of Troutman ESC Park Project (2012)
Centralina Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (Gaston-County)
The recipient of this Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition award is a stakeholder organization that best demonstrates leadership and excellence in clean transportation and alternative fuel activities. The awardee has recognized the environmental, economic and national security benefits of reducing consumption of fossil fuels and has implemented programs and initiatives to lower their use of traditional transportation fuels. Past winners include:
- Gaston County Propane Vehicle Conversion Project (2018)
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for Excellence in Clean Transportation and Alternative Fuel Activities (2017)
- Town of Matthews for Excellence in Clean Transportation and Clean Fuel Activities (2016)
- City of Concord for Leadership in Clean Transportation and Clean Fuel Activities (2015)
- City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Natural Gas Use in Fleet Refuse Trucks (2014)
- Benfield Sanitation Services for Excellence in Clean Transportation and Clean Fuel Activities (2013)
- Clean Cities Gaston County Schools Biodiesel Production and Use in Fleet School Buses (2012)
Centralina Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (Union-County-Council-on-Aging)
The recipient of this award serves as a leader in impacting communities, so adults can age with choice, dignity and independence. The awardee has implemented a program that demonstrates a commitment and contribution to older and/or disabled adult issues, engagement, participation and/or volunteerism of older adults and advocacy for and behalf of older and disabled adults and their families. Past winners include:
- Union County Council on Aging Group Respite Program (2018)
CCOG Region of Excellence Awards 2018 (W.-Lane-Bailey,-City-of-Salisbury)
The recipient of this award exemplifies and promotes excellence in government, outstanding leadership and high ethical standards. The award recognizes the cumulative achievements of a local government professional who has served as a role model for others and has consistently exhibited high professional and personal standards throughout his or her public career. Past winners include:
- Lane Bailey, City of Salisbury City Manager (2018)