The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Lincoln (http://lincoln.iabc.com) chapter is pleased to announce this year’s recipient of its Leader in Communication Award is the chief executive officer of the People’s City Mission, Pastor Tom Barber. The award is given annually to a non-IABC member who exhibits leadership in fostering excellent communication. Honorees consistently demonstrate vision and leadership in their commitment to effective business communication. The award will be presented Thursday, October 15, at a luncheon at the Country Club of Lincoln.

Pastor Tom has brought and continues to bring awareness of the Mission’s needs and of the services they offer to the public through all forms of media and business ventures. Under Pastor Tom’s leadership he has helped:

• Grow the Mission’s receipt of cash, gifts and in-kind from $2 million to $12 million in just eight years.
• Launch a free clinic serving 18,000 people in 2014 at a cost of $16/visit, well under the US average of $80/visit for similar clinics. Except for three positions, the clinic is completely staffed by volunteers.
• Update the recycling collection program, increasing collections from two million pounds to nearly four million pounds in 2014.
• Develop a coffee company called Mission Bean, sold in Lincoln’s HyVee and SuperSaver stores. The People’s City Mission receives $2.50/bag, which provides one meal for a homeless person.

Through his communication and leadership, Pastor Tom has made people realize how easy it is to give to the Mission whether it’s financially, through donating goods or volunteering time. In addition, he has created an entrepreneurial model to bring opportunities to the homeless and ways for the community to help. To Pastor Tom, “helping” isn’t just about giving – it’s about using resources in an innovative and efficient manner.

IABC-Lincoln’s Leader in Communication Award, given annually since 1999, recognizes outstanding communication skills in non-communication career positions. Previous recipients include Tom Casady, Joe Starita, Dr. Steve Joel, Bob Kerrey, Chuck Hagel, Ted Kooser, Scott Young and Christy Hinrichs.

For more information about IABC Lincoln or to register for the award luncheon, visit http://lincoln.iabc.com or call (402) 473-3567. Registration deadline is Monday, October 12.