Jerry Cavness' love for people and desire to help the community comes straight from the heart, according to his friends.
Cavness will receive a Pioneer Citizen's award along with fellow nominee Judy Omo during the 87th annual Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday. The event will be held in John Brown University's Simmons Great Hall.
The award is given to Siloam Springs residents who lead with their heart, face new challenges and pave the way for new frontiers. This year's nominations put an emphasis on the nominees' community service, according to a press release from the chamber.
"I don't know of anyone with a bigger heart in Siloam Springs than Jerry," said his friend Ron Mooney.
Mooney described Cavness as the ultimate servant, who has a true love for people, and a desire and drive is to help others.
"To God be the glory," he said of Cavness' award.
Cavness' desire to serve is reflected in his extensive resume of civic and nonprofit work. He is currently the president-elect of the Siloam Springs Civitan Club and is serving on three nonprofit boards, including the Genesis House, the Single Parent Scholarship Fund and Hope Cancer Resources. He is also a member of the Siloam Springs Housing Authority Board.
Cavness is a member of American Legion Post 29, where he serves on the honor guard. He also serves his church, Flagstone Church of Christ, as a deacon and oversees the benevolence ministry.
In the past, Cavness has served two terms on the Chamber of Commerce board, two terms on the parks and recreation advisory board and most recently a few months as an interim city board member.
Cavness got involved with nonprofit and civic work as a kind of second career. He grew up in Bentonville and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1964. There, he worked at the U.S. Capitol Building, first as a Capitol policeman and then in the Senate document room. Later, he accepted a job at Bethlehem Steel Corporation and worked in their industrial and public affairs office in Washington. During that time period, Cavness also served in the U.S. Army National Guard and Army Reserve.
While living and working in the capital city, Cavness went to college at night and graduated with his bachelor of arts degree in general business from the University of Maryland in January 1971.
Cavness moved back to Arkansas the next year and began working for Steele Canning Company in Springdale, then later went to work for Allen Canning Company in Siloam Springs.
When Cavness retired from Allen Canning Company in 2007 after 28 years of service, he went right to work as the area coordinator of United Way of Northwest Arkansas. At this position, he was responsible for working with United Way funded agencies in western Benton County. The experience really awakened his passion for volunteering.
"It's all about your heart and what you want to do," he said.
His hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2009 he was named the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, and in 2016 the chamber created the Jerry Cavness Nonprofit of the Year Award in his honor.
Randy Rowlan, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Siloam Springs, got to know Cavness through his work at the Chamber of Commerce, as well as United Way.
"He has a heart for people and a heart for the community," Rowlan said "He puts his money where his mouth is -- literally his money and time and talents."
When Cavness' tenure at one organization is up, he rotates to find another organization to serve, he said.
"I don't know where he gets his energy, but he's got a lot and he's always got a big smile," said Rowlan.
Cavness stands out because of his personality and faith, he said.
"He really knows Jesus and loves him," Rowlan said. "He's going to love other people as a way of demonstrating his love for Christ."
When Mayor John Turner heard that Cavness had been nominated Pioneer Citizen, his thought was "somebody beat me to it," he said.
"They couldn't have picked a better or more deserving person than Jerry Cavness for sure," he said.
Turner met Cavness at a business conference in New Orleans in the early 1970s, when the two men were working for competitors Steel Canning Company and Allen's Foods. Cavness came to work at Allen's Foods in 1978 and the two men worked closely together until Cavness retired.
Turner said that Cavness was very professional and dedicated to his company, but he also had a lighter side.
"There was never a dull moment," Turner said. "He's got a tremendously good sense of humor."
The two friends made many good memories together, traveling for business or trout fishing on the White River and playing golf as they entertained customers. Over the years, Turner said he began to see Cavness as a brother.
Cavness came from a background of public service, he said.
Cavness' father, Red, set an example of community involvement. The Bentonville businessman volunteered in the community and served as Bentonville mayor. His mother, who was born in Siloam Springs, also set an example by always bringing children home and feeding them.
"It was bred into him," Turner said. "That's what he was raised to do."
Integrity is deeply instilled into Cavness' character, Turner said.
"He's always thinking about other people, how can I help out," he said.
Turner said that Cavness has a calling to help people and is always looking for a way to jump in to make an impact.
When Turner contacted Cavness about possibly filling an unexpired term on the city board, his friend was eager to help out, Turner said. Cavness served on the board of directors from October to December 2016 until his replacement could take office.
"He's the perfect example of someone you'd want honored in your city," Turner said.
General News on 02/01/2017