Mayor Richardson will honor and recognize community member Jake Johnson, Fitchburg business General Beverage, and the city's Street Department employees with this year's Mayoral Awards on October 12th. Mayor Richardson is recognizing these recipients for their community leadership, inspiring service to the community, setting an example for others, and their commitment to and significant impact on Fitchburg.
Jake Johnson has been instrumental in a number of projects that are making Fitchburg a better place to live. He led projects to complete the inclusive playground, dog park and splash pad. Jake has served on both the Parks Commission and City Council. He is committed to making Fitchburg a better place for everyone.
The Streets Department employees do a great job of maintaining the large network of streets throughout the city. They ensure the roads are safe year round, whether it is plowing snow in winter or repairing roads in summer. They quickly help out any other city department when needed and are quick to respond to issues reported by residents. Mayor Richardson receives many positive messages from residents, including one from a parent that shared their son was very interested in a streets employee putting brush in a chipper. The employee was not only kind to the child but let him "help" by having the child give him sticks to throw in the chipper.
General Beverage was established in 1933 and will be celebrating 90 years as a fourth generation business in 2023. Moving their headquarters to Fitchburg in 1962, they have been a valuable employer and community partner to many projects. General Beverage is now reinvesting in Fitchburg and expanding their warehouse and headquarters here in Fitchburg. These investments will ensure General Beverage is well positioned for the future and another 60+ years in Fitchburg.
The Mayoral Awards were started in 2019 as an effort to recognize residents, businesses, and staff that make Fitchburg a great place to live, work, and recreate. The Mayoral Awards are an opportunity to celebrate some of the many great people in Fitchburg and an opportunity to bring the community together every year. Previous award winners are Jeanie Sieling, Frances Huntley-Cooper and Greg Jones in the resident category, Promega, KL Engineering and Fitchburg Pharmacy in the business category, and Mike Zimmerman, Planning & Zoning Department Staff and FACTv in the staff category.
There will be two presentations on October 12th. At 12:30 p.m. Mayor Richardson will present the Street Department with their award at the Maintenance Facility, 2373 S. Fish Hatchery Road and at 5:00 p.m. Jake Johnson and General Beverage will be honored with their award in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road. The public is invited to attend.