Small town charm

Longboat Key resident Bart Russell's company, Barton Russell Group, will lead a new initiative called the Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award (STACVA). It's a new nationwide volunteer recognition and grant program to help small communities and recognize their civic volunteers. 

Fellow Longboat Key resident and BRG consultant Ken Sternad is also working on the project, which will recognize 100 hometown heroes such as volunteer firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and local government boards and commissions, from communities nationwide for their public service. 

Three communities of under 5,000 people will receive grants of $10,000,  $7,500 or $5,000 and a custom-built municipal website, including a volunteer module to aid recruitment efforts.