ECIDC to Honor Norma Lansing, Paris Man

The East Central Illinois Development Corporation has announced recipients of the 2014 Recognition Awards that honor some of the region's most influential community and economic development leaders and most committed volunteers.  Norma Lansing of Effingham was awarded the Outstanding Leadership in Community and Economic Development Award and Robert Colvin of Paris was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

(NORMA LANSING)

Norma Lansing, President and CEO, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, has been honored for her significant contributions to help attract new businesses to the Effingham and surroundin area, support and improve existing businesses and helping promote public projects that enhance the quality of life.  According to nominators Pam Crisman, Frank Kabbes and Tod Lancaster, Lansing's efforts go well beyond any normal 40-hour business week and her daily job responsibilities as Chamber President.  Crisman said, "Each day she puts her heart and soul in her work to make Effingham a better community for area residents and businesses."

Lansing oversees the programs and services that the Chamber provides to its nearly 600 members.  For almost four decades, her leadership, input and involvement have greatly supported community and economic development efforts throughout Effingham County.  Whether it is organizing the county's first high school manufacturing day with area manufacturers, high schools and the community college or planning a community celebration breakfast, Lansing's involvement is sought after to ensure that the event is successful, organized and well-attended.

In 2005, Lansing was one of the first individuals in Effingham County who embraced Lou Tice's Pacific Institute and convinced others that leadership development had a place in Effingham County businesses, schools and the community.  She has since served on the Steering Committee and is responsible for the continuity of Effingham County's Vision 2020, a strategic plan for retail and tourism, job creation and expansion, culture, arts and leisure, community values, infrastructure/natural resources and governance and healthcare.  Each fall and spring, Lansing oversees a planning committee that helps organize a community breakfast in one of the county's towns to celebrate the community's success and progress of Vision 2020.  This has brought forward new projects and services to the community including an Effingham Artisan Fair, a community 5K walk/run, healthcare task force, and many others.

Lansing has implemented a job fair that is well-attended by job seekers, students and area employers.  Two years ago, she implemented a women's networking group that offers opportunities for educational programs and networking directed toward women in business.  With her leadership to secure a larger facility for the Chamber's home, it's now able to offer a Business Essentials Support and Technology Center and office space for other groups that benefit Effingham community and economic development such as SCORE, Business Solutions Center of Eastern Illinois University, and the regional Small Business Development Center.

Hundreds of individuals and businesses have benefitted from Lansing's enthusiasm and presence in the Effingham community.  She supports and attends numerous community events such as United Way functions, health care forums, community foundation events, regional ECIDC activities, and community efforts to address drug abuse.  She is a supporter and member of the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Advisory Board, a countywide high school entrepreneurship curriculum.  She is also a member of the Effingham Noon Rotary Club, member of the Effingham County Economic Development Foundation Board, and advisory board member of the Effingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Lansing is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management, University of Notre Dame, and a participant of the Insitute for Advanced Management.  She received certification as an Illinois Accredited Chamber Executive and is a 1999 Distinguished Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Award recipient.  She is a past member and district chairman of the Illinois Federation of Women's Club Board of Directors, co-chair of the Effingham Sesquicentennial Committee, Eastern Illinois University Industrial Technology Advisory Board, and past advisory board member of St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital.  

Norma lives in Effingham with her husband Ken.  Together, they have three children and five grandchildren.

Bob Colvin of Paris was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his success in community and economic development, his leadership in the public and private sectors, and as someone who has made a positive difference in his community for over 20 years.

Lansing and Colvin will be recognized during the 2014 ECIDC Annual Celebration and Recognition Awards Presentation.  The ceremony will be held at 5:30pm on Thursday, May 15 at the Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham.  Cost to attend is $50/person.  The evening will include a cocktail hour and silent auction, dinner, and a special 30-year tribute to ECIDC's history of fostering regional economic development.  This year's banquet sponsors include Agracel, City of Effingham, Effingham Travel Agency, Peoples Bank and Trust, The First National Bank of Dieterich, Tuscola National Bank, and West and Company.

Registration requests may be submitted online by visiting www.ecidc.com, or contact the ECIDC office by phoning 217-540-3517 or e-mail info@ecidc.com.   Registration deadline is May 8.