February 11, 2025
This year’s Community Betterment Awards are dedicated to those special people who have completed a project that has touched the lives of so many of us. These aren’t just good ideas; they’re completed projects. They’re tangible examples of what happens when vision meets action, and passion meets perseverance.
Brad Walden receives a Community Betterment award from Chamber board member, Scott Haycraft.
Our first Community Betterment recipient saw a need in our community for revitalization, beautification, and breathing new life into our history. They were inspired by a specific goal: to transform neglected properties into assets for our community, attracting new businesses and sparking renewed pride in our city.
And that’s the key, isn’t it? This project, or rather projects, weren’t born overnight. They required dedication, time, and a tremendous amount of effort, all fueled by the desire to make our community a better place. This individual’s commitment to Hannibal is evident in the numerous properties they’ve revitalized, from the old Market Street Fire Station, to the former Oakwood Bank building, and even the historic location of Gooch’s Food Market at 696 Grand Ave.
This individual has taken on the challenge of abandoned and neglected properties, often gutting them completely to the studs, replacing roofs, and updating plumbing, wiring, and HVAC systems. They understand that these buildings are more than just bricks and mortar; they hold memories for our community. As our recipient shared, “People share all their memories of these old places…it just brings a smile to my face when they tell the stories.”
Beyond the renovations, he has also brought art to our streets, commissioning several full-size murals on their buildings, including a striking American flag on the old bank in Oakwood, a nostalgic 50’s service station scene, and a tribute to Gooch’s Market. These murals, brought to life by local artist Ray Harvey, not only beautify our city but also celebrate our history.
“All this comes down to community pride…I love Hannibal, and I want to make it the best I can with the resources that I have,” said this Community Betterment Award Winner . . . Brad Walden! Congratulations Brad!
