Star of Excellence Award
19 September 2008Lawrence Bank presents Star of Excellence |
LAWRENCE, KS - Lawrence Bank is proud to announce Marilyn Bittenbender as its next recipient of the Lawrence Bank Star of Excellence Award.
Marilyn grew up in Lawrence and is a product of the Lawrence school system. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966, and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Kansas in 1970. She began her real estate career in 1988, and joined Grubb & Ellis|The Winbury Group in 2001 when Winbury opened a branch office in Lawrence. Marilyn was appointed Senior Vice President and invited to become a Principal in 2003.
Throughout her career, Marilyn has demonstrated a passionate commitment to the Lawrence community through her service activities. A highlight in Marilyn’s community involvement occurred when she had the opportunity to serve as Drive Chair and subsequently as President of the United Way of Douglas County. As Drive Chair, she attended the United Way National Convention in 1991 and learned about a new program being started in other communities called Loaned Executives. Marilyn was excited about the opportunity this might present for Douglas County, and upon her return from the convention, she approached three local businesses about the program. At that time the Loaned Exec Program required a six-week commitment from each business to "loan" one of their top executives to the United Way campaign for six weeks. During that time the Loaned Exec would work fulltime on the campaign, but continue to receive his/her regular salary and benefits from the employer. Marilyn was able to secure commitments from Hallmark, Sallie Mae, and what is today US Bank. The program has evolved over the years, but the "loaned execs" continue to provide vital services to the United Way during every annual campaign.
In addition to her service to the United Way, Marilyn has served as chair of the Board of Governors for the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Cottonwood, Inc. Marilyn believes that Lawrence residents have both a moral and a financial obligation to provide a vital array of services to the most fragile members of our community. She believes that the only way we can maintain and enhance those services without placing an undue tax burden on the rest of the community is through successful economic development initiatives.
"Understanding the connection between a healthy economy and funding vital community services is sometimes misunderstood, but of critical importance. That is why I am passionate about growing our tax base by attracting additional companies to the Lawrence market, and by helping our local companies grow and expand. Providing new tax revenue will allow us to fund the organizations that provide vital services to those in need without overburdening our current residents" Bittenbender commented.
Marilyn currently serves as a member of The Kansas Real Estate Commission and on the Board of Directors of Leadership Kansas. She has also served on the board of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, including a term as Chair. Other past service has included director positions on the boards of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lawrence Schools Foundation, and Lawrence Library Foundation, as well as several local arts organizations including the Lied Center of Kansas, Spencer Museum of Art and Lawrence Arts Center.
Marilyn is married to Kelvin Heck. They have a blended family of five daughters, four sons-in-law, two granddaughters and one grandson.
Lawrence Bank congratulates Marilyn Bittenbender for being a Star of Excellence. The Lawrence Bank Star of Excellence Award is presented to a community member that has made outstanding contributions to the Lawrence community. If you would like to nominate someone for this award, please stop by either Lawrence Bank location.
Lawrence Bank and Lazer 105.9 Congratulate Marilyn Bittenbender for being a Star of Excellence.
