Five Burnsville Residents Recognized as Community Builders

Five people will be honored with the City of Burnsville’s Community Builder Award at an October Burnsville City Council meeting. The honor recognizes those that have made “a contribution that builds community; performed outstanding acts of bravery; or made a lasting impact on the quality of life in the City of Burnsville,” according to the city’s website.

The award winners' accomplishments were reviewed by the council during its Sept. 13 work session.

Those to be honored are:

Amie Burrill - Burnsville Convention and Visitor Bureau, nominated by Skip Nienhaus and Mayor Elizabeth Kautz.

They say about Amie: “In April, Amie Burrill led an effort to have Burnsville nominated as a Best Small Town for Food … Burnsville was one of five finalists to have an onsite visit by a judging team. … Amy planned a day and a half tour that resulted in much media recognition for Burnsville and our restaurants.”

Cindy Koehler – Kids 'n Kinship nominated by Ingrid Henry.

Henry says about Cindy: “She devotes her time to building her community through mentoring a child in need, tutoring children in the schools, empowering seniors through exercise classes, and being a friend to adults going through a difficult time. Everything she does makes others in the community stronger and in turn, strengthens Burnsville.”

Sasha Martin - a member of THE GARAGE, nominated by Eric Billiet.

Billiet says about Sasha: He believes that through Sasha’s efforts THE GARAGE’s state Crime Prevention grant was not a casualty of the state’s budget woes. “I was proud of Sasha for taking initiative and working hard. I was pleased to see her confidence grow as she worked on this project. … I believe she made a difference. I do know she had faith in the system and kept trying after I had given up hope.

Gregory Sylvester - Independent School District 191 band director, nominated by Mayor Elizabeth Kautz.

Kautz says about Sylvester: “During 9/11, Greg was touched deeply by the horrific events that impacted our country and he composed ‘An American Hero.’ which was premiered by the Burnsville High School Concert Band for the Spring Concert. For the Inaugural year of the Performing Arts Center Friends for the Performing Arts Center commissioned Greg to compose a complete orchestral piece and the composition honoring Burnsville and the Heart of the City was performed at the Performing Arts Concert for Caring.”

Richard Tucker - Coldwell Bank Burnet, nominated by Jenni Faulkner and Skip Nienhaus.

They say about Richard: “He has constantly tried to promote all the positive aspects of Burnsville.” Among his endeavors, he “sponsored a video, hosted by the Mayor that highlights all the reasons a person should consider Burnsville as a place to purchase a home. It will be used by the city community development department to showcase Burnsville to perspective businesses.”