12-05-2011 2011 F. Jay Nimtz Public Service Award Winner

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This award, today,reflects not only Jeff s years of commitment to South Bend, but also the personal and professional relationship that he had with the late F. Jay Nimtz. I can't think of anyone more influential in transforming neighborhoods and the face of South Bend,Jeff is a true "urban pioneer", stated Mayor Luecke Upon accepting the award, Jeff stated, "It's better to give than to receive! Seriously, as we think and remember the people who have helped build this city, F. Jay Nimtz was just incredible and someone from whom I learned so much. More importantly,the real key to our success is all about inclusiveness and people working together. This is something that was instilled in me as we worked with Pablo Eisenberg(his wife is actually from South Bend) and the Center for Community Change. I believe we can change and improve outcomes by empowering individuals at all levels and analyzing issues from the perspective of the city's poorest citizens as well as business and community leaders and keeping everyone's interest in mind." Others attending the 2011 F. Jay Nimtz Award Ceremony include E. Jack Reed, last year's recipient and Gladys Muhammad of South Bend Heritage Foundation, who also paid tribute to Gibney. Background: During Jeff Gibney's tenure with the city of South Bend, his department has been instrumental in the design and implementation of Ignition Park, part of the state of Indiana's first dual-site technology park and the city's partnership with the development of Innovation Park at Notre Dame. In addition, he has also overseen the development of Eddy Street Commons, the region's largest mixed use development in decades, revitalization of the Northeast Neighborhood which garnered the National League of Cities Gold Award for Municipal Excellence, last year, and was part of the winning combination, along with the development of the Civil Rights Heritage Center that earned All America City designation, this year. Other projects include the Kroc Center and the Notre Dame Center for Latino Studies at Hansel Center on the westside, $3m in improvements north of downtown, in partnership with Memorial Hospital,renovation of the 1st Source Center and the new Hilton Hotel, relocation of WNIT into the heart of downtown, and renovation of American Trust Place along with several new businesses, stores, and restaurants have all occurred under Gibney's tenure. While serving as Executive Director of South Bend Heritage Foundation,Jeff led numerous projects to revive and enhance the community including a renaissance of"the block" which now includes West