The Community Champion is someone from the LP industry who is active in their community and makes the time to volunteer, to participate, even when it may not be convenient to do so. They volunteer time, advocate for others in need, and they work tirelessly to further the cause, whether it is to raise money, provide a service, or just to make the world a better place, even if that world is their own neighborhood.

Outstanding community service is at the heart of so many critical initiatives, and has a lasting, positive impact on our society as a whole. By recognizing, developing and celebrating our community service efforts we celebrate the meaning and spirit of giving back and paying it forward.

To be eligible for nomination, the Community Champion of the Year must have shown through their words, actions, and behavior, that they have offered an exemplary role for some or all of the calendar year of nomination.  In this category, both retailers and solution providers are eligible for nomination and may be an individual or an organization.    Individuals must be nominated by someone other than themselves.

This category is specific to community and charitable action.   This is not just someone who is active in LP, but rather beyond that, to their local, regional or national causes outside of LP and LP expertise.  

Here's what people are saying about Dan:
If you’ve ever met Dan Boutelle, you already know he’s got one of the biggest hearts around. Dan doesn’t just support the American Heart Association—he’s helped turn Blain’s Farm & Fleet into a true community force behind heart health. For more than 30 years, the Bert Blain Shootout golf outing and their Heart Walk have raised over $6.8 million, which is incredible when you think about how many lives that money has touched.

But Dan doesn’t stop with fundraising support. Dan is part of the team ensuring that every single Blain’s store, distribution center, and the corporate office has an AED, and he’s encouraged managers to get trained in CPR and AED use. That’s not just for show—those programs have literally saved lives in the stores  - with a total of 8 and counting!

He’s one of those people who just quietly shows up, puts in the work, and makes a difference without needing a spotlight. You can feel that this isn’t just a job for him—it’s personal. That kind of leadership doesn’t just improve a company; it strengthens entire communities. Dan really is a great representation of heart behind so much good at Blain’s, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

Here's what people are saying about Pete Sr:     .....(because we already know what people say about Pete Jr!)  ;)
Pete Morello Sr. isn’t just a guy who works in the security industry  - he’s also someone who genuinely cares about the people who’ve served our country. Every year, on the 4th of July, he captains a team with a charter boat for a group of veterans—many of them wounded warriors—for what’s become an unforgettable experience: swimming with sharks.

This might sound intense, but for these veterans, it’s a powerful moment. For some, the 4th is a tough day full of triggers and difficult memories. The event Pete helps to support gives them a different experience—something exciting, healing, and surrounded by people who truly appreciate them. He does this alongside Congressman Brian Mast, who’s also a veteran, and together they raise funds for local veteran groups and make sure every veteran on that boat feels seen, respected, and celebrated.

This all started because Pete and his family lost someone close to them—a friend and veteran—on the 4th. Since then, they’ve put their hearts into making this event something that honors that loss and uplifts others. Pete doesn’t talk about it much—he just makes sure it happens every year and gives it his all. And honestly, that says it all. He’s a quiet hero doing meaningful work, and I think this recognition is long overdue.

Here's what people are saying about this Dynamic Duo:
Amanda, who works at Wicklander-Zulawski, has poured her heart into supporting the Honor Flight Network. She’s helped organize fundraisers and even volunteers as a guardian on the trips—escorting veterans to D.C. so they can see the memorials built in their honor. This isn’t just a side project for her—it’s something she and her family truly believe in, and it shows in everything she does. You can tell this program means a lot to her, and she treats every veteran with the respect and care they absolutely deserve.

Then there’s Jake, an ORC investigator at DICK’s Sporting Goods—and a veteran himself. He’s been an important part of making sure these veterans get a hero’s welcome when they return home. Jake and his team at DICK’s show up at the airport, cheer them on, and let them know their service matters. It’s especially meaningful for Vietnam vets, many of whom never got that kind of appreciation back in the day.

Both Amanda and Jake lead by example, and they remind us that gratitude should be more than a thank you. They live it. That’s why I’m nominating them - and both of them together! —not just for what they do, but for how they do it, with heart and humility.