Dustin Beattie, Vice President of Simonson Construction received the William Booth Award, given out by the Salvation Army Ashland Kroc Center earlier this month.
The William Booth award is one of the highest awards that may be conferred upon an individual by The Salvation Army, and Simonson Construction is beyond proud of Beattie for this accomplishment.
This prestigious award is not taken lightly by The Salvation Army or the community. In fact, in addition to the requirements to be nominated for this award, Jim Cutright (Cutty), CEO of the Ashland County Community Foundation, feels this award should go to someone with unmatchable qualities and characteristics which Beattie showcases each and every day.
“[Dustin] is one of the brightest people you’ll ever meet, with the credentials to back that up, paired with a heart for this community, and matched only by his ability to find workable solutions around nearly any obstacle,” he said.
Beattie served as a long-time advisory board member, including providing notable leadership as a past board chair, shared Major Annalise Francis, Administrator/Corp Officer of the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. During the vision, planning and nascent stages of the Ashland Kroc indoor waterpark and fitness expansion project, he provided hours of expertise and energy that proved crucial to the awarding of project concept approval and funding. This even included a trip to present the project concept to Territorial Headquarters in New York, she said.
According to Major Francis, Beattie goes above and beyond every day both in the office and within the community. His efforts for the Kroc Center were a huge part of what made the dream of their projects a reality for the Ashland community.
“The decision to bestow the William Booth award on Dustin was unanimous, as his outstanding service to the community and sacrificial offering of time, talent, expertise, and financial resources towards the mission of The Salvation Army was well-known to the advisory board and stakeholders of the Kroc Center, as well as to divisional and territorial leadership of The Salvation Army,” she said.
Nominees for the award are chosen on the basis of one or more of the following guidelines:
- Dedication to The Salvation Army’s goals of service to man.
- Outstanding service to the community through the donation of time, expertise and energy.
- Outstanding humanitarian effort within the community.
- Substantial contributions to the work of The Salvation Army in offering of time, talent and/or financial resources.
Beattie shared that, while he is extremely grateful for the award, he is also excited for the impact Simonson’s work on the Kroc Center will have on Ashland for years to come.
“It was neat to be a part of something that will be a benefit to the community for a really long time,” Beattie said. “…I think the legacy of what’s left there is more important than the award.”
Simonson Construction is grateful to be part of such an amazing community. With employees like Beattie, the bar is set high to continue to help make Ashland flourish.
“We feel so grateful and blessed for all that Dustin has done for The Salvation Army and Ashland community. May his example inspire us all to offer sacrificial service in ‘doing the most good,’ Major Francis said.
