At the recent Workforce Innovation Summit in Wichita, the Kansas Department of Commerce presented an Outstanding Service Award to Barton County Commissioner Don Davis in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Kansas WorkforceONE in 2019, said Laura Patnzner, workforce system coordinator for the Kansas WorkforceONE in Great Bend.

“He is a long-time, respected advocate for the Local Area 1 workforce system,” she said, addressing the Barton County Commission Monday morning. Davis serves as the current vice-chair and previous chair of Kansas WorkforceONE Chief Elected Officials Board. 

In his role on the CEOB, he also provided oversight of the Local Workforce Development Board’s Fiscal Committee.  

The award was presented at the Workforce Innovation Conference in Wichita on Oct. 7 and 8. He was nominated for the award by the Area I Local Workforce Development Board.

Davis was modest in receiving the plaque from Patzner. “I don’t do any of this for the recognition,” he said.

Fellow commissioner Kenny Schremmer said he and the other commissioners appreciated Davis’ efforts. Last week, Davis was honored for money he raised to fight domestic violence through the Family Crisis Center’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event last year.