ROGERS — Financial adviser, outdoorsman and community leader David Thrasher was honored Friday as the winner of the Dick Trammel Rogers Good Neighbor Award. The announcement was made at the annual Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce banquet.
First given in 1974, the award is the Rogers community’s highest honor. It is presented each year in recognition of individuals who contribute to the betterment of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award. I’m proud of Rogers and how it has grown and prospered over the years. When Halley’s Comet appeared in 1985, we stood on this hill where the Embassy Suites now stands and looked through the telescope at the comet and that’s just been 20 years ago,” Thrasher said.
The award has a special meaning to Thrasher. He is the one who suggested the award be named after Trammel.
“He is my hero. I’m honored and humbled to get an award named for my hero and friend Dick Trammel,” Thrasher said. “Rogers is a great place to live, raise a family and enjoy the outdoors.”
Mayor Greg Hines called Thrasher “a quiet giant” and a man whose fingerprints can be found on everything positive in the community.
Mike Shupe, a longtime friend and neighbor of Thrasher, said he has known and respected Thrasher for 31 years.
“He’s an awesome guy, I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s been involved in so many things,” Shupe said.
“He is also a great fundraiser. He wanted to raise $17 million for the community college and didn’t stop until he got it, Shupe added.
There is another side to Thrasher, Shupe said.
“He’s one of the best rafters in the state. You go rafting with him, he will bring you back alive, but boy it will be an adventure,” Shupe said.
Dan Brown, another longtime friend of Thrasher, described him as “a fine fellow and a hard worker.”
Brown pointed to Thrasher’s service at the community college, Rotary Club and dozens of other civic projects as examples of Thrasher’s work ethic.
“He is a gracious person, someone who can bring others together to serve the community. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award,” Brown said.
Pam Bird of Design Works and a Rotary Club member, said Thrasher is an “amazing” man.
“He had a big influence on saving the Buffalo River. He promoted a float trip and gave the money to (Open Avenues). He has done enormous good for Northwest Arkansas.”
Paul Vitale, a motivational speaker and author of three books, rounded out the evening with a humorous speech.
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The Good Work
Who is David Thrasher?
• Member of Rogers Planning Commission since 1983.
• Member of the NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation.
• Active with United Way, Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce; Adult Development Center Legacy Foundation, Friends of Hobbs and St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.
• Has been a driving force in establishing trails in Rogers and Northwest Arkansas.
• University of Arkansas graduate; has master’s degree in civil engineering.
Source: Staff Report
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At A Glance
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 Awards
• Ambassador of the Year: Douglas Ortz
• Volunteer of the Year: Joe Papczynski
• Educator Hall of Fame Inductee: Kathleen Dickerson
• Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award: Kim Spencer
• Rogers/Lowell Spirit Award: Alison Levin
Source: Staff Report