A record 425 community leaders and civic-minded area residents gathered Thursday evening at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites for food and camaraderie at the annual meeting of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. The event, however, was a good deal more than just a social occasion.

The vigorous economic growth that is taking place locally as a result of the collaboration of a wide array of private and public sector groups was celebrated by both speakers and those in attendance. The common goal is to build a strong economic future for Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities.

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an effort to unify and coordinate economic and community development efforts to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge and the region. The promise this partnering holds for the future is truly exciting.

Economic growth nationally is slower than it might be. The story in our area is much more encouraging. Business trends here are highly positive. Significant strides are being made in building a prosperous future for Fort Dodge and the nearby communities. The stage has been set to accomplish dramatic additional progress in the years just ahead.

The Growth Alliance reflects a spirit that is becoming evident throughout the community as planning for tomorrow proceeds — cooperation. That sense of widely shared purpose is rapidly turning what were once just dreams into tangible realities.

John McElligott, the chief executive officer of York Exponential and president of The Fortress of York, was the event’s keynote speaker. He said ongoing changes or disruptions in our world must be embraced.

“There is no standing on the sidelines,” he said. “There is no sitting this one out.”

The Growth Alliance is an excellent example of exactly the type of creative response to an evolving environment that communities must adopt to thrive in the 21st century.

As is customary at these annual meetings, the recipient of the prestigious Catalyst Award was announced. Bruce Shimkat, a co-owner of Shimkat Motor Co., is this year’s winner. The award recognizes citizens who contribute to the betterment of the community.

Shimkat has a long track record of volunteering for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and one of its predecessor organizations, the Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce. His community activities and memberships have included The Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts of America, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Dodge Civic Glee Club, Fort Dodge Community School District Foundation, Trinity Regional Medical Center board, Fort Dodge Noon Rotary Club and the Friendship Haven board of directors.

The Messenger salutes Shimkat for the efforts that led to this well-deserved recognition. He is a business leader who truly makes a positive difference in his hometown.

Steve Pederson, of Blue Ribbon Pelham Waters, was recognized Thursday evening as the 2017 recipient of the Alliance’s Volunteer of the Year Award. He regularly gives tours of Fort Dodge to potential new residents. Dennis Plautz, the Alliance’s chief executive officer, said Pederson is always positive and has given more community tours than anyone else.

Successful communities have numerous businesses and other organizations that provide financial support to worthy philanthropic endeavors. Randy Kuhlman, chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, announced Thursday evening that his organization had selected five entities for special recognition — Citizens Community Credit Union, the Fort Dodge Cargill plant, The Messenger, Upper Des Moines Opportunity and Valero Renewables. These organizations are leaders in helping United Way achieve its important goals.

Also announced Thursday were winners in assorted categories of the photo contest conducted by the Alliance’s Image Committee. The top winning photo was taken by Hope Thier, the art educator and assistant director of the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.

Citizens willing to expend the energy and make the sacrifices necessary to build a stronger, more vibrant community are crucial to any town’s well-being. Fort Dodge has an uncommonly large number of people who are dedicated to helping bring about a better tomorrow for their hometown and region. Many of them were present Thursday evening. The Messenger applauds their commitment to this community’s future.