On Jan. 20, we hosted our annual awards banquet at the Wright Place Event Center where dozens of chamber and community members joined us for a night of celebration. 2022 marked our 30th year as a Chamber of Commerce, and we were honored to have so many of our founding members and past board members in attendance for the banquet. The room felt like it was full of old friends.

In addition to celebrating our student (Will Chase), educator (Angela Davidson), chamber member (Amanda Reid-Raper), citizen (Women of Norwalk), and business of the year (Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse), the chamber awarded Tom McLaughlin with the Community Footprint Award. This award was created by the chamber in 2015 as a legacy award to honor those who have left a lasting impact on our community. Former Norwalk Community School District Superintendent Denny Wulf presented the award, and his recounting of Tom’s lifetime achievements was a highlight of the evening.

In 1967, years before the chamber was established, Tom started his career as a teacher with the Norwalk Community School District. For 13 years, he taught biology, physical science and physical education. While working as a teacher, Tom attended Drake University to obtain his degree in administration and eventually became the principal of Norwalk elementary schools, Oviatt and Lakewood. As a community leader and educator, he initiated the preschool program, all-day kindergarten and student-led conferencing. He was awarded the Governor’s Award for his work with the Norwalk Head Start Center. Tom founded Norwalk’s Special Education Program and the Gifted Program and is well known for having also founded Norwalk’s wrestling program.

Under Tom’s leadership as head coach, the Warriors had 114 wins (with only 26 losses), 40 tournament championships, 13 conference championships, six sectionals and one district championship. His work and dedication to the wrestling program led to his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2013), Iowa’s Dan Gable Wrestling Hall of Fame (2013) and the Norwalk Athletic Hall of Fame (2017).

Since his retirement from administration, Tom has continued to work in security and groundskeeping for the district and has proudly been part of the NCSD staff for 56 years (and counting).

Tom’s career has made an indelible impact on countless individuals and the community. By honoring his lifetime achievements, as well as recognizing his ongoing commitment, we can ensure that these efforts continue to be celebrated for generations to come.