Rich Cummins, president of Columbia Basin College, and Dara and John Foster, of Kennewick, were honored by the Port of Kennewick in early December.

[blockquote quote="The Foster’s partnership on this project demonstrates their personal stewardship of Clover Island and a selfless devotion to our region’s quality of life." source="Tim Arntzen, CEO of the Port of Kennewick" align="right" max_width="300px"]

Tim Arntzen, the Port’s chief executive officer, said that in recognition of the incredible participation and significant involvement by community residents in port projects, staff bestowed two 2015 “Friend of the Port” awards.

Rich Cummins, president of Columbia Basin College was selected for his involvement in the Port of Kennewick’s Vista Field redevelopment and community planning process.

Cummins was the volunteer chairman for the Vista Vision Task Force, a citizen committee made up of more than 50 members that were tasked with meeting for a full year, gathering community input, and providing recommendations to Commissioners for the final Vista Field Master Plan.

The Port Commission presented Cummins with a plaque to recognize the tremendous time, energy and effort he expended running the meetings, keeping participants focused and engaged, and working to ensure an inclusive, sustainable, community-driven plan.

“Every so often the Port has an opportunity to recognize someone special for making an extra effort; for taking time to share of their talent and their energies; for caring enough about our community to go above and beyond what is expected, what they are paid to do, or what most people would even consider necessary.  This year we chose to recognize Rich Cummins for doing all of that and more,” said Arntzen.

Port officials also recognized and presented a plaque to Dara and John Foster, residents of historic downtown Kennewick, who purchased basalt benches for the Clover Island boat launch scenic viewpoint.

“The Foster’s partnership on this project demonstrates their personal stewardship of Clover Island and a selfless devotion to our region’s quality of life,” Arntzen said. “This couple often walks the island and they identified a need for shoreline seating. When they approached port staff, they told us they wanted to put their treasure where their heart is, and they wanted to be part of bringing renewed vibrancy to Kennewick’s historic downtown.”

The couple donated three beautiful basalt benches with polished-tops that were installed at the boat launch.

Arntzen said the investment allows families to have a place to enjoy the river and safely wait while boats are being launched.

“The Fosters have a passion for downtown Kennewick and wanted to do their part to create a vibrant waterfront,” said Port Commission President Don Barnes. “Rich Cummins understood that an actively engaged leadership team would be crucial to shaping the future of Vista Field.”

Barnes said the recipients embody service-above-self.

“They looked beyond their own needs to benefit the greater regional community,” he said. “They invested their time, their talents, and their treasures. Simply put, they represent the very best in citizen participation and activism.  For that we are ever grateful and we thank and honor them as our 2015 Friends of the Port.”