On January 19th, with great appreciation, we presented Newton Standridge with the chamber’s Community Footprint award. “In recognition of exceptional dedication, tremendous leadership, stewardship, and a profound impact on our community. With gratitude, we honor his remarkable contributions and celebrate the lasting impact he has created. Newton’s footprint on our community and within our Chamber will forever be etched in our hearts.”

The Community Footprint Award is reserved for individuals who have dedicated their lives to creating a lasting impact, a legacy, in our community. Other recipients of this award have included Jack & Susan Bohlender, Jack Lane, Pat Wahl, and last year’s award winner Tom McLaughlin- to name a few.

Mayor Tom Phillips was honored to present the award to Newton during the chamber’s annual awards banquet at Happy Apple Celebrations last month, saying he was introducing “one of the most influential people in the history of Norwalk”. In his speech, Mayor Phillips shared with the crowd some of Newton’s most notable contributions to the community, starting with his tenure as mayor of Norwalk from 1985 to 1993. “He led the charge for the annexation of Lakewood and Echo Valley into the city of Norwalk, causing Norwalk’s first population boost,” Mayor Phillips said. Newton shared that in 1965, Norwalk’s population was 1,700 residents and by 1990 that number had grown to 5,600 with the annexation of Lakewood. The Norwalk we know today is estimated to have surpassed 15,000 residents and continues to grow thanks to the foundation Newton built for our city.

Not only did Newton lead the town as Mayor, he was one of the founders and president of the Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce. He is one of our greatest supporters and is always amongst the first to volunteer to support our mission, which is why he’s been awarded as Chamber Member of the Year not once but twice.  He’s a reliable volunteer, an involved member, and a true ambassador for the chamber. 

When Denny Wulf, former Norwalk Schools Superintendent and fellow former chamber president, learned about this year’s award recognition, he shared that “Newt always greets you with a smile and a warm handshake. A true businessman.” He then went on to say that Newton was a constant supporter of Norwalk Schools’ faculty and students, “his involvement in the Iowa Junior Chamber is just one example. He supported our schools unconditionally.” Denny shared that years ago Newton was identified as one of the top 5 most influential people in town, and he’s certainly one of the most respected and beloved people in our chamber. 

Witnessing Newton accept his award was not only a highlight of the evening but an experience we as a chamber will forever cherish.

To quote Denny Wulf, “Newt is one of the finest Warriors I know”.  I couldn’t agree more.