Bob Taylor accepts the Do it Best President’s Award. (Photos Provided)

NORTHEAST INDIANA — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana (BBBSNEI) is pleased to announce that three awards – Big Sister of the Year, the Clifford P. Norman Service Award and the President’s Award – were given to its affiliates at the 2016 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Out of nearly 170,000 volunteer mentors across the nation, BBBSA named Angola native and Do it Be

Big Sister Laura and Little Sister Emily accept the Big Sister of the Year award.

st employee Laura Frederick Big Sister of the Year. A longtime volunteer and advocate for the Agency, Frederick is recognized in part for her immense efforts on both the local and national levels, which have led to a tremendous increase in funding and volunteers. Moreover, she is recognized her outstanding relationship with her Little Sister, Emily.

“Laura has undoubtedly changed the life of her Little – which shows exactly what our program does for children across the country,” said Pam Iorio, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Because of her efforts, Laura’s Little has seen educational improvement, emotional development and a desire to reach her full potential.

Frederick was first nominated for the award by BBBSNEI and was named Big Sister of the Year for the State of Indiana. That moved her onto the national competition, in which a selection committee of BBBS leaders ranks each statewide winner.

Additionally, Tim Wagner, President Emeritus of Wagner-Meinert, LLC, received the Clifford P. Norman Service Award, which honors a board member at a local agency who exemplifies the qualities of commitment and generosity. A longtime board member for BBBSNEI, Wagner’s leadership was essential in implementing business-savvy techniques for non-profit governance that made the agency a locally, regionally and nationally recognized organization. Wagner’s passion and advocacy has also led to an exponential increase in agency funding and resources.

“Tim exemplifies everything that Cliff Norman stood for,” said Elizabeth A. Smith, National Board Chair for BBBSA. “He gives his time, talent and treasure in dedication to this mission.”

Lastly, Do it Best Corp. was the recipient of the annual President’s Award, which recognized the Indiana-based home improvement co-op for its long-term partnership in promoting excellence, encouraging employee volunteerism and significant investment in furthering the organization’s mission in Northeast Indiana and around the country.

Do it Best Corp. President and CEO Dan Starr and President Emeritus Bob Taylor were on hand to receive the award from BBBSA.

Tim Wagner with the Clifford P. Norman Award.

“Our commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters is enthusiastically embraced across our entire organization, so it’s an honor to receive this award on behalf of everyone at Do it Best Corp. and our many supportive vendors,” said Starr. “We are all proud of the positive impact we’ve helped make in the lives of thousands of at-risk kids around the country, and we are excited about continuing that work for years and decades to come.

In addition to significant donations, Do it Best Corp has contributed ongoing leadership support at the national and regional level. President Emeritus Don Wolf was a co-founder of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Indiana, now one of the country’s largest and most active chapters, while fellow President Emeriti Bob Taylor and Mike McClelland both served on the BBBSA national board of directors.

“The President’s Award symbolizes the utmost dedication to furthering our mission, and we are proud to present this year’s award to Do it Best Corp.,” said Iorio. “For more than 30 years, they have shown that true partnership can inspire action and change lives through mentorship.