He was presented with the Catalyst Award during the alliance’s annual dinner at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites, 1518 Third Ave. N.W.

Singer was all smiles as he went to the podium to accept his award with his well known dry wit.

“My comments will be regretably short,” he said.

As he looked over the room, he noted the range of people in attendance.

“This room is a mix of gray hair and young people as well,” he said. “That is exciting for Fort Dodge.”

John Taets, the 2018 Catalyst Award winner who presented the honor to Singer, said this year’s honoree was recognized for three major things.

”Firstly, tonight’s Catalyst Award winner recognized the need to build relationships while advocating for your community and as a result was instrumental in the effort for the Fort Dodge region to be represented at the national level through a visit to Washington, D.C., every year,” Taets said.

”Next, tonight’s Catalyst Award winner proved his passion for developing leaders and encourgaing others to get involved in their community,” he added. ”Through his efforts and coordination, he laid the foundation for one of the most well-known programs in our region, Leadership Fort Dodge, and continues to be involved in the program through his witty delivery of the history of Fort Dodge presentation.”

”Lastly, and quite possibly his most well-known accomplishment was his passion and perserverance towards the completion of four-lane Highway 20, a result of his 16-year commitment,” Taets said.

Singer was the first vice president of the U.S. 20 Corridor Association.

He was a Webster County supervisor from 2008 to 2016.

Serving as a county supervisor and as a leader in the U.S. Highway 20 project were two of his most high profile efforts. But his service to the community includes much more.

He has held these other positions:

• Member of the Fort Dodge Community School District Board of Education from 1983 to 1986,

• Member of the Fort Dodge Plan and Zoning Commission from 1980 to 2008.

• Executive director of the Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce from 2002 to 2007.

• Member of the St. Olaf Church Council and Foundation Board.

• Member of the Lifeworks Community Services Board and Lifeworks Charitable Foundation Board.

• Member of Kiwanis and Golden K Kiwanis

• Member of Friendship Haven Board of Directors.

• Member of the Masonic Temple.

”Whatever, the case, tonight’s Catalyst Award winner is known to be enthusiastic and passionate, spending countless hours, days and even years dedicated to a cause, goal or an area of service,” Taets said. ”It is clear that this individual has unparalleled pride and community spirit.”

“If you’re going to take from a community,” Singer said. “You better give something back.”

One of the things Singer is proud of is how the Webster County Board of Supervisors and the Fort Dodge City Council have worked together.

“The most important thing is that the supervisors and council worked together,” he said. “Things are happening. I hope it continues.”

Singer also took time to thank his wife, Janet.

“Yesterday we celebrated 48 years together,” he said. “She’s patient, understanding and sympathetic. Bless her heart.”