Southern Indiana Business Report
Denny Spinner, executive director of Indiana University’s Center for Rural Engagement, former mayor of Huntingburg and executive director of Indiana’s Office of Community and Rural Affairs, was presented the 2025 Jim Walton Community Impact award during the Stand Up Rural America Summit held in Canyon, Texas, last month.
Spinner has been involved in all aspects of economic development, including industry recruitment, business expansion, small business development, quality of place projects, downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship and community development.
During his time as mayor, Huntingburg was named a Stellar Community, which sparked a downtown revitalization effort that continues to this day.
Earlier this year, Spinner was recognized by Regional Opportunity Initiatives with the Becky Skillman Regional Leadership award.
At that presentation, he said of his efforts to see rural communities thrive, “Amid challenges and uncertainty, there is always opportunity. No matter what happens around us, keep focused on the work in front of us.”
A press release from Stand Up Rural America notes that he tells the stories of the cities, the businesses, the people, the land and their heritage and inspires them to take action. He is a big thinker, a dreamer and a doer. He has been a catalyst for tangible growth, big and small. He has represented his Indiana region with great passion and commitment and has proven to be an outstanding partner, leader and voice for Rural America.
About the award
The award is named for Jim Walton, founder of Brand Acceleration. Brand was a true believer for rural communities and epitomized the “can-do” spirit of those who live and work in Rural America. This award was designed to recognize other changemakers, trailblazers and catalysts who have gone above and beyond the norm to create positive change in their communities or regions. This honor is awarded annually at the Stand Up Rural America Summit to a deserving individual, team or organization who epitomizes Jim’s “going the extra mile is always worth it” attitude.