(Atlantic) The Southwest Iowa Planning Council celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Annual meeting on Thursday night at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic.
Southwest Iowa Planning Council Executive Director John McCurdy outlined the organization’s services and accomplishments over the past year, as well as its achievements over the past 50 years since its inception in 1975. (Top Photo)
The organization serves eight counties in southwest Iowa. One of SWIPCO’s most visible services is the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA), which operates the public transportation system across an eight-county region. SWITA provides essential transportation services for residents of all ages, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to private vehicles. Whether it’s getting to work, attending medical appointments, or participating in community events, SWITA ensures that reliable and affordable transportation is available throughout southwest Iowa. The transit system provided 546,745 rides during the past fiscal year and over 9.2 million rides since its inception.
Chris Parks is the communications Coordinator, overseeing community outreach, public engagement, and media communications for SWIPCO and SWITA.
SWIPCO was founded in 1975, with a budget of $45,000.
Parks says the community support from the eight counties they serve has been essential to the growth of this organization.
One of the many highlights of the year was SWITA being named the Iowa DOT Regional Transit System of the Year for the Third Straight Year.
The program included several recognitions. Officials recognized four staff members, including Mike Ballenger (five years of service), Phil Richter (Five years of service), Nicole Rhodes (five years of service), and Mike Ames (Driver of the Year).
Partnership Awards were awarded to the Following Organizations:
*Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Public Transit
*Nishna Valley YMCA
*Snyder and Associates, Inc.
*Atlantic Media-KJAN, KSOM/KS95, and the Atlantic News Telegraph
*Sherry Kuntz, Senator Chuck Grassley’s Office
*Iowa West Foundation
*Danelle Bruce
*Tru Pro Construction
The Ron Kohn Servant Leadership Award went to Glenwood Police Chief Eric Johansen.
The nominees for the Leadership Award include:
*Ryan Camp-Mayor of Hastings
*Carol Vinton- Former Mills County Supervisor
*Kattie Lewis- Director, SWITCH Technical Career Hub
*Grace Garrett – Mayor of Atlantic
*Steve Herrington-SWITA Driver
*Kevin Cabbage-Stanton Community Development, FMTC
*Angela Winther- City Clerk of Logan
*Eric Johansen, Glenwood Police Chief
