A Northlander who served and protected Kansas Citians for 32 years, including seven years as Chief of Police, was honored Tuesday with the 2011 Look North Award.

James D. Corwin, who retired in September as Kansas City Chief of Police, was honored at the Clay County Economic Development Council’s annual Look North Award Banquet. The award, established in 1979, was presented by 2010 honoree Terry Ward.

Held at Harrah’s North Kansas City with more than 200 in attendance, the Look North Award Banquet featured keynote speaker Dr. Stephen F. Kingsmore. Brought to Children’s Mercy Hospital in January to establish the Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Dr. Kingsmore shared the human drama of his scientific research that has already helped identify more than 500 childhood diseases. One of the world’s foremost genomics researchers, he said the work could also make Kansas City an international destination for treating children’s’ diseases.

EDC Chair Jo Stueve confirmed dramatic news impacting the Ford Motor Company’s Claycomo plant. Ford on Tuesday announced plans for a $1.1 billion investment and 1,600 new jobs there, a dramatic turnaround from a feared closing last year. The announcement, which could represent $100 million just in payroll each year, was spurred by nearly two-year’s effort from an EDC task force and local legislators.

Stueve also noted national honors this year to EDC affiliate Midwest Small Business Finance. MSBF was selected as 2011 Small Business Administration development company of the year and was also selected to help launch a new pilot program.

Overall, Clay County growth has been significant. The area was the second highest Missouri county for job gains over the past nine years, and this year saw $562 million in new projects, Stueve said.

“These are accomplishments we can all be proud of,” Stueve concluded. “But I think we’re going to see even better things in 2012.”

Corwin graduated from Winnetonka High School in 1974 and joined the Kansas City Police Department in 1979 after earning a bachelors degree from Central Missouri State University in Criminal Justice Administration. He successfully rose through the ranks and was sworn in as Chief of Police in October of 2004.

Among his accomplishments in the department was leading the introduction of advanced technology and an emphasis on training for officers. The 500-seat auditorium at the Kansas City Police Department’s training academy was named in his honor. He led in developing several initiatives, including CSTAR (Comprehensive Strategic Team Accountability Review), which brought Division Commanders together to identify career criminals.