The Republic (Columbus) has won the Gold Baton award for its support of the arts.
Each year, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic presents the award to a person, a family or community business that has demonstrated outstanding service to the community through promotion and support of the arts.
“The Phil is one of those crown jewels in this community that we feel very strongly about,” said Jeff Brown, president of Home News Enterprises, parent company of The Republic.
It is the third time the Golden Baton has recognized individuals with ties to the newspaper.
Earlier winners included the family of Robert and Betty Brown, Jeff Brown’s late parents; and Harry McCawley, honored in December just before his retirement as associate editor of The Republic after 50 years with the company.
Margaret Powers, the Philharmonic’s executive director, said the local media company’s support of the orchestra includes:
• Financial contributions
• Graphic design assistance
• Support of a free community concert each year
• Publishing reviews of the Philharmonic’s performances.
– The Republic (Columbus)
