Former LPA Chairman receives Mayor’s Award
Ex-Local Planning Agency member and Town of Fort Myers Beach ad-hoc committee guru Dennis Weimer recently was honored with the 2009 Mayor’s Award, a prestigious recognition awarded at the discretion of FMB Mayor Larry Kiker to outstanding effort and achievement of an individual, group or business.
The Mayor’s Award is part of the town’s Citizens Recognition Program. It reflects the commitment of those who have participated in community and voluntary activities as well as those who have made a significant impact on the quality of lives of citizens and communities.
Weimer’s contributions to the Beach community are through a demonstration of his civic duties. He was appointed to the LPA in April 2007, served as its chairman and received an extension on his term which ended after a Dec. 7 Town Council hearing.
Weimer, who has been a Beach resident since 2001, served as the lead facilitator of the Bay Oaks Transition Team and Bay Oaks’ Five-Year Study Team, and was instrumental in leading the Mound House Ad-Hoc Committee for the property’s business plan. He also served as the campaign treasurer for Kiker and Councilwoman Jo List, and is expected to be the campaign treasurer for Town Council candidate Alan Mandel.
“To me, it’s always satisfying to have your work ethic recognized,” said Weimer. “It truly is a surprise and an honor. It really reflects very favorably on both the town staff people and all the private citizens who served on ad-hoc committees and LPA.”
Weimer, who is currently retired, acts as a business counselor within SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives, which is a volunteer organization that provides free of charge advice and mentoring to starting and small businesses. He is a business executive with more than 33 years of experience in the global marketplace and capital goods industry.
“We’re truly very blessed on this island to have people who have good strong backgrounds in business,” said Weimer. “They are willing to serve in nonpaid capacities. The town staff including LPA liaison Frank Shockey, Attorney Ann Dalton, Evelyn Wicks, Theresa Schober and Nicole Olsen gave up their time and stayed dedicated through the process. The end result is a reflection of their efforts.”
Weimer managed in international sales, product marketing, parts and service and manufacturing. He was the president of the Dresser-Rand Energy Systems Division, which designs and manufactures steam turbines, motors and generators in three countries.
Throughout his busy professional schedule, he has maintained a balance with community service from serving as a volunteer fireman to chairing the membership development committee for his local American Society of Mechanical Engineers to four years as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors of a United Way affiliate.
“He exemplifies a community leader and a great neighbor,” said Kiker. “This award is for his participation with elected officials, volunteers and staff.”