The city of Conover was awarded the Marvin Collins Award for Planning – Sustainability Category, and city officials picked up the award at the statewide planner’s conference on Thursday in Charlotte.  The award comes from the North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association, which is judged by a panel of planners in the state, according to information from the city.

“Conover is blessed with outstanding talent and teamwork,” said Mayor Lee Moritz. “We are proud Mr. (Lance) Hight and his team has been recognized by their professional peers across North Carolina.” 

In 1975, Marvin Collins developed the idea of an awards program for planners in the state. He received the Distinguished Professional Achievement Award before his death and the program was named for him in 2001. The award recognizes agencies and individuals for outstanding plans, programs and projects or contributions to the planning profession, according to information from the city.

“I am proud of our city; this is a great pat on the back, not just to the planning department, but the whole team that has worked hard on planning and design for the project,” said Councilman Joie Fulbright.

“I am delighted to see that Conover's planning department is getting some of the recognition they deserve,” said Councilwoman Jan Herman. “The whole department is to be commended for the excellent work they do for our city.”

The city cleaned up the site of the old Broyhill Furniture factory, saved several buildings and is in the process of creating Conover Station. The old Warlong building was dedicated on Oct. 24. The building houses the Conover branch of the Catawba County Library and will serve as the Catawba County depot of future western passenger rail service.

Conover Station also is the future home for Manufacturing Solutions Center, an environmental park and offers other development opportunities, according to city officials.

For more informtion, please visit the City of Conover website.