Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 7, 1993 TAG: 9301070281
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
VALLEY LEADERS WIN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
John W. Hancock Jr. and George Cartledge Sr., two leaders of many Roanoke Valley projects, were joint winners Wednesday of the annual Community Service Award presented by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Roanoke Valley.Joint winners were chosen for the first time, said F. Edward Harris, retiring chamber chairman, because "their contributions to our community are inextricably intertwined." He called them "two of Roanoke's favorite sons."
Both have been entrepreneurs, movers behind major Roanoke Valley projects, fathers of the cultural arts in Western Virginia, champions of economic development and respected advisers and mentors, Harris said.
The awards were given at the 103rd annual dinner meeting of the chamber at the Roanoke Airport Marriott. More than 460 attended and another 100 were on a waiting list for tickets.
Hancock, founder and chairman of the executive committee of Roanoke Electric Steel Corp., was cited for his instrumental role in establishing Center in the Square as the hub of regional cultural activities. He did not attend the dinner.
Hancock has been a board member of many organizations, including the Western Virginia Foundation for the Arts and Sciences, Roanoke Memorial and Burrell hospitals, Central YMCA, the chamber, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Science Museum, Roanoke Museum of Fine Arts, Hollins College and Virginia Tech.
Cartledge, chairman of Grand Piano & Furniture Co., was credited with their concept of bringing area cultural organizations together as the Center in the Square. He was among the group who had the idea of creating the Explore Project; he was a leader in Design '79 and Design '85, downtown Roanoke improvement programs, as well as the drive to reopen the Hotel Roanoke.
Cartledge has been a leader for the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Mill Mountain Zoo and the Economic Development Partnership.
Both men have given a lifetime of service to the community and their relentless energy and generous support "will leave an everlasting mark," Harris said.
Roanoke Policeman Rodger A. Hogan was recognized as Officer of the Year for risking his life to push an elderly couple out of the way of a car that ran a red light at Franklin Road and Walnut Avenue on Jan. 30, 1992.