Bob Culver Receives DDAA's 2013 John D. Whisman Vision Award

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013—Bob Culver, executive director of the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG), has been named the recipient of the 2013 John D. Whisman Vision Award, presented March 11 by the Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) at its annual conference in Arlington, Virginia.

More than 200 local development officials representing 73 economic planning and development districts in Appalachia attended the conference, held March 10–12.

The DDAA presents the John D. Whisman Vision Award each year to an individual who has provided exemplary service and leadership in Appalachia and demonstrated a commitment to the ideals of state and federal cooperation.

Culver has a rich history of community engagement, having served as development director for the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and as the assistant chief of the planning and economic development division in the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs before assuming his position as executive director of TARCOG. He has been a board member of the DDAA for 18 years and served as its president for two years.

Culver was cited by the DDAA for the "significant and valuable contributions" he has made as a champion for regional planning and development throughout his career. He was also recognized for the strong leadership and vision he has provided to TARCOG for more than 19 years.

Established in 1976 by the executive directors of Appalachia's local development districts, the DDAA provides professional and technical training opportunities for local economic development officials and community leaders; directs an annual best-practices conference; and promotes improved communication and quality of service throughout the Appalachian Region.