Local business leaders Fred Haley, John Dimmer Sr. and the Dimmer Family Foundation will receive “Tacoma HomeTown Heroes” honors from Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and members of the City Council.
In December 2001, the former mayor and council, with help from the Tacoma Economic Development Department, initiated a business recognition program to publicly honor local business leaders and express appreciation for their significant, positive impact on Tacoma and its citizens. The city recognizes new HomeTown Heroes about every six months.
At the June 4 City Council meeting, Mayor Baarsma will issue a proclamation declaring Haley, Dimmer Sr., and the Dimmer Family Foundation the second group of “Tacoma HomeTown Heroes” and recognize their contributions to our community’s economic well-being.
The meeting will take place in the City Council Chambers, first floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., at approximately 5 p.m.
In addition to the proclamation, the Mayor and several Council members, along with City Manager Ray E. Corpuz, Jr., will recognize the HomeTown Heroes May 31 at a private dinner in their honor.
“These award recipients are true heroes who have made a tremendous impact on the lives of people here in Tacoma,” said Baarsma. “We are truly fortunate to have them as part of our community, and are proud to honor their contributions and achievements.”
Fred Haley, Chairman and CEO of Brown & Haley/Almond Roca International, began working for his father’s company in Tacoma in the 1930s. Haley has been an active member of Tacoma’s business community for decades. He has also worked hard to improve Tacoma citizens’ personal lives by serving on dozens of boards and commissions, including the University of Washington Tacoma and the Tacoma Philharmonic.
In 1992, Haley received the Tacoma City Council’s Rev. E.S. Brazill Award for Life-Long Commitment to Volunteerism award.
The Mayor and Council will also recognize John Dimmer, Sr. and the Dimmer Family Foundation for their many works and contributions to Tacoma projects and organizations that have directly touched the lives of Tacoma citizens.
Dimmer, who owned Western Plastics, and the Dimmer Family Foundation have supported, over the years, everything from community festivals such as the Daffodil Parade and the Tacoma Freedom Fair, to children’s programs such as the Bookmobile, the Hands On Children’s Museum and the Boy and Girl Scouts, to education, most recently in the form of a $250,000 grant to the University of Washington Tacoma’s Professional Development Center. The Foundation donates primarily to Tacoma and Pierce County organizations and events.
Tacoma HomeTown Hero awards can go to any Tacoma business leader who has made a major contribution to the city’s economic vitality and shown a devotion to the community over a long period of time.