John Oliver Recipient of the 16th Annual Community Spirit Award

June 16, 2013

  06/17/13 The 16^th Annual Catch the Spirit Gala was held Friday evening at the Swan Lake Resort.  Each year, the Community Spirit Award is given to Marshall County residents that exemplify the spirit of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Plymouth; passionate giving, enthusiastic service and tenacious vision.  John J. Oliver, President of US Granules was this year’s recipient. 

  Trisha Sloma, co-anchor of WNDU-TV’s “16 Morning News” served as Masters of Ceremonies welcoming approximately 300 guests under the huge white tent on the lawn overlooking the golf course.

Loretta Schmidt, Interim President of Saint Josepha Regional Medical Center Plymouth Campus talked about the Health Center serving those in our county regardless of their ability to pay.  Last year 2000 patients used the Health Center and there was an average of 12 new clients monthly.  She spoke about the future relocation to the Community Resource Center and the creation of a Health Information Exchange. 

  Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter presented a check in the amount of $100,000 during the evening.  The Common Council members voted last month do contribute funding to assist with creating a new larger parking lot at the CRC due to the additional number of clients that will use the center once Obama Care is in full force. 

Albert Gutierrez, President and CEO of SJRMC spoke about being recruited by John Oliver for his position.  He also gave a short bio on John and his business by noting that US Granules provides more than 50% of the world’s supply of aluminum granules that are shipped around the world.  Gutierrez also talked about the Affordable Care Act which requires every American to have health insurance.

Sam Schlosser, close friend of John Oliver hand the privilege of introducing him to the crowd.  He opened by saying, “America’s gain was when the Brits let him out of the country.  They never knew how much we’d capitalize on it.”  Three  words that come to Schlosser’s mind when he thinks of Oliver are: learner, loyalty, and generosity.    

  John Oliver took that stage and received his award.  In his speech he too talked about the need for health care for the needy and poor in our community.  John talked about the need to expand service and thus the relocation of the Health Center to accommodate 100’s and 100’s more patients who’ve not had insurance.  He also commended Al Gutierrez’s for his forward thinking to open a store front  at the CRC where people will be able to meet with experts, provided by the hospital to help them secure health insurance. 

  John Oliver closed his comments with this, “My message to you is that I believe in Saint Joseph and the professionals that work there.  I encourage you to continue to support the hospital and the Health Clinic.”  He continued, “Be an ambassador. Share with others the quality and caring we offer.”