Mayor Bobby Hopewell has been recognized as the Community Trustee Award recipient, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Smart Shop Metal Arts Center. He will be presented with the award at the Chamber’s annual Community Awards event from 6 to 7 p.m., March 18 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, 314 S. Park St.

Sheri Welsh, Hopewell’s co-nominator president and owner of Welsh and Associates, said, “We can think of no one who more clearly personifies the role of community trustee than Bobby Hopewell. He has spent his entire adult career in the service of others in both his professional and volunteer capacities.”

The Community Trustee Award has been presented to a Leadership Kalamazoo program graduate who has made significant notable contributions for the betterment of the community. This includes exemplifying the spirit and goals of Leadership Kalamazoo, especially in terms of civic involvement and trusteeship.

“Through Leadership Kalamazoo, we have the opportunity to help prepare and equip future leaders in our community,” said Steward Sandstrom, CCE, president and CEO of the Chamber. “We are pleased to recognize Mayor Hopewell with this award. He has contributed much to our community through his leadership and maintaining a strong foundation for Kalamazoo’s continuous growth."

Hopewell, Leadership Kalamazoo class of 1993 graduate, has demonstrated leadership and passion for improving the lives of all citizens in Kalamazoo. In addition to his tenure as mayor, he is currently the director of Hospitality Services at Borgess Medical Center, where he leads a team of 250 dedicated individuals to provide a clean, safe and comfortable environment for Borgess patients and customers. Prior to joining Borgess, he served as the community relations manager for Bronson Healthcare Group and was actively involved in community health improvement and wellness efforts.

In 2003, Hopewell was elected to the Kalamazoo City Commission and contributed his time as well as energy to comprehensive community development and public safety. Furthermore, he has served with distinction in organizations that play a role in significantly improving our community and also local economic development including:

• Kalamazoo Planning Commission (1995-1999)
• Kalamazoo Charter Review Committee (1997-1999)
• Kalamazoo Community Foundation Community Investment Committee (2002-2003)
• Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce (1998-2001 and 2003-2004)
• Northside Business Association (1993-present)

To view Hopewell’s leadership and community service record, click here for a complete list. Past recipients of the Trustee Award include (affiliations of past recipients are based on information provided when they received the award): Hannah McKinney, Kalamazoo College / City of Kalamazoo; Viola Gaines-McMillon, Northside Economic Potential Group; Pat DiGiovanni, Kalamazoo Valley Community College; Blaine Lam, Lam & Associates; Bob Doud, Bronson Methodist Hospital; Nancy Owen, The Owen Group, Ltd.; Rosalie Novara, MRC Industries, and; Steve Denenfeld, Lewis, Reed & Allen.

The Chamber will also be presenting several other community awards at the event including Chamber Ambassador of the Year; Bronson Quality Award; ATHENA International Award; Environmental Award; Public Servant of the Year; and the Minority Business Alliance Diversity Community Volunteer Service Award.

Community Award tickets are available for Chamber members at $10 per person and $20 for non-members. To purchase tickets, click here. For more information, contact JR Clark at (269) 381-4000 or jrclark@kazoochamber.com