 Reuben Siverling accepting the 2009 Look North Award. |
Reuben Siverling, a former Rockhurst University Small Business Development leader who now serves with First Community Bank-Northland, was awarded the 30th Look North Award since its inception. The honor was delivered at the Clay County Economic Development Council’s Look North Banquet at Harrah’s-North Kansas City.
“Tonight’s honoree is one of the best examples yet of the ideals of the Look North Award,” noted Chris Stigall, master of ceremonies for the evening. “This person has helped guide thousands of businesses to success, serving as both a mentor, and a guide to financial and other critical resources.”
Guest speaker for the event was Kent Rader, a Liberty resident who has become a nationally recognized because of his combination of humor and leadership guidance. A former accountant with 12 years as a hospital CFO and CEO, Rader used real-world examples to illustrate how business leaders can benefit from an occasional “light touch.” Also addressing the more than 300 people at the event was EDC Chair Jeff Dema, who noted the real progress realized by the EDC and Clay County despite a challenging economy.
“It’s worth noting that Clay County has faired well, and in many cases very well,” Dema said. We have continued to record solid economic growth to create new employment. We’ve even seen a housing market that actually builds and sells homes!”
Siverling’s award was not the first this normally quiet leader has received. Recognized in 2003 by Midwest Small Business Finance, he has also earned recognition from the state of Missouri and Kansas City for his efforts helping to create thousands of area jobs.
His service has included both private enterprise and higher education. In addition to his service with Rockhurst, he also served as an adjunct professor at both William Jewell College and Park University. He served as treasurer for “Project Choice,” a program involving Westport High School where he guided students to pursue a higher education and pursue higher education. While he was involved, student enrollment in higher education went from 17 percent to 87 percent.
During the Vietnam War, Siverling served to two tours of duty with the 75th Infantry Airborne Rangers. He was the first commanding officer of the highly decorated 4th infantry Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. This group’s mission was to travel deep into Viet Cong territory to pinpoint enemy locations, one of the most dangerous assignments in the service.
Among the more moving moments of the evening occurred after Siverling accepted his award. Not only was the honor a surprise, but two of Siverling’s fellow Vietnam veterans made an unexpected appearance: Herb Reichel and Roger Crunk, who traveled from Colorado for the event.
After his service his military service, Siverling moved his family to the Northland in the early 1970s. By the early 80’s, he graduated with honors in both his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Last year, he published a book entitled “Reflections,” a collection of true Vietnam combat stories as told by the Rangers of the 4th Infantry Division.
See the complete Look North Award Banquet Photo Gallery.