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MARK NEWMAN Courier Staff Writer

OTTUMWA — No one told Steve Banyas he was going to receive one of the highest awards given annually to an Ottumwan who has made a difference. But as the speaker continued to name Banyas’ many accomplishments, those around him began to smile as they saw him beginning to realize the speaker on stage was talking about him.

Tom Hull, representing the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors, took the stage. He said there were a lot of individuals nominated for the Gene Schultz Community Service Award.

Hull said this is the highest award presented by the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce, and recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions as volunteers in the community as characterized by the man whose name is on the trophy.

Hull described Gene Schultz as being larger than life, a man who wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work hard for no pay, as long as his beloved Ottumwa would benefit.

“The fact that this list was long and impressive says [a lot] about our community,” Hull said. But the awards committee decided there was one that stood out: Steve Banyas.

Chuck Bates of Ottumwa serves on the award committee. He said lots of people get a nomination from somebody. Banyas, he said, appeared to have been nominated by his entire staff. “That’s impressive,” Bates said.

After stepping down from the stage, Hull said he was amazed when he saw all the civic accomplishments of Banyas. “He set the bar really high for other leaders of the community,” Hull said. He added that Banyas has successfully operated McCune and Reed Insurance for years, yet still found time to make a difference in the town.

For that, Banyas said, he had to give credit to his wife and staff for covering for him while he ran off to board meetings or committee planning sessions.

Hull said Banyas didn’t do all those things because they’d bring him recognition. So what does motivate someone to volunteer for what sounded like every community service in Ottumwa?

“Its taking pride in our community,” Banyas told The Courier. “I have pride in this community; [Volunteering] is something everyone should be doing.”

Often, said others at the banquet, Banyas has been doing those things quietly. “If something needs to be done, you do it. That’s Steve,” said Bates, himself a previous recipient. “He does what needs to be done, and he doesn’t care who gets the credit.”

“He’s very deserving,” added Rose Schultz. “He exemplifies Gene’s commitment to volunteerism.” So with that long list of volunteer activities, boards he leads and personal character traits, would it be possible to say one thing about Banyas?

“We need more people like him,” Hull said.