“It’s so great to do great things with great people.”

Those were the words of Phil Gunderson, of Fort Dodge, Thursday evening at the annual dinner of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

Many in this city view Gunderson as one of those great people, a fact that was reflected at the dinner when he received the Catalyst Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Growth Alliance.

We believe he truly deserves the honor.

Just how much Gunderson has done and continues to do for the community was made very apparent when The Messenger obtained a copy of the remarks made by Jim Kersten, last year’s Catalyst Award winner, when he introduced Gunderson Thursday evening. As part of his speech, Kersten naturally listed all of Gunderson’s achievements. When the text of the speech was printed out, that list took up most of a sheet of paper.

There are at least 21 organizations, projects and initiatives on that list. Gunderson has been part of a wide variety of positive things in the community, but his efforts generally fall into the categories of health care, economic development and education.

He does all of that while running his business, Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home in Manson. And of course he spends time with his family, including the three grandchildren who basically stormed the stage after Gunderson was presented the hefty sculpture that is the Catalyst Award.

Joey Coleman, the night’s keynote speaker, used the word remarkable often in his presentation. That word can be used when considering the achievements of Gunderson. All of the things he has done for all of us in the community are remarkable.

Well done, sir. Many people have benefited and will benefit from what you have invested your time and energy into.

Three others were honored Thursday night.

Luke Hugghins received the Emerging Leader Award, which recognized him for doing everything from promoting downtown businesses to serving as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Matt Johnson was named the Growth Alliance’s Volunteer of the Year for various things he does behind the scenes to help the organization

Scott Johnson was named the Ambassador of the Year for faithfully representing the Growth Alliance at ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings.

To all of Thursday night’s award winners, we say great job, gentlemen. Thank you for your service to our community.