The Town of Garner was named one of 10 All-America Cities for 2013, during an award ceremony held in Denver on June 16.
Dubbed the “Nobel Prize” for civic accomplishment, the prestigious All-America City Award recognizes citizen engagement and cross-sector collaboration in meeting challenges within the community.
The last Wake County municipality to earn the award was Raleigh, in 1974-75.
Garner’s presentation to the judging panel highlighted citizen-led efforts to build the Garner Veterans Memorial; to sustain Community of Hope’s after-school program, food pantry and other activities; and to boost the performing arts scene at Garner Performing Arts Center.
The town’s award application also cited citizen-led efforts such as the Meals on Wheels program at Garner Senior Center; the annual Relay for Life event at Lake Benson Park; and grassroots activism to save Garner from the Triangle Expressway “red route” and to block closure of the Wake County Library Southeast Regional Branch in Garner.
Garner competed against 19 other finalists to win the All-America City Award. The All-America City program is administered by the Denver-based National Civic League.
The new WakeMed Garner Healthplex is set to open to patients on Aug. 19.
Featuring a 24/7 full-service emergency department, lab and imaging services, and physician offices, the 50,000-square-foot facility is located on a 20-acre site at 400 U.S. 70 East in Garner.
The healthplex represents a $17 million investment that will create 150 full-time jobs, and serve as the base for WakeMed’s Air Mobile medical helicopter operations.
A grand opening celebration including a dedication ceremony and free pancake breakfast will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Families are invited to tour the new facility and emergency vehicles including WakeMed Air Mobile, and enjoy a teddy bear clinic, crafts and games.
CONNECT Conference 2013 will be held Aug. 8 from noon to 6:30 p.m., at the Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner.
Featured speaker is Sharon Allred Decker, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce.
This half-day economic development conference focuses on major developments impacting the town’s economic climate and quality of life. The event includes a welcome luncheon and post-conference reception and dinner. Tickets are $59 and are available via garnerchamber.com.
