VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A local man was recognized for his role in bringing in events that have had a positive impact on Terre Haute and Vigo County.

Today the Terre Haute Kiwanis Club presented the Handclasp Award to David Patterson, the Executive Director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Handclasp Award recognizes people who have shown exemplary service to the community, something the club’s president says Patterson has done.

“Bringing events to the community, and supporting those events. He had so much to do with the capital improvement board and those types of things and the cross country meet, the different sporting events that they’ve brought to town, the cultural events that they’ve brought to town,” John Lentz, President of the Terre Haute Kiwanis Club said.

Patterson said he feels humbled and honored to receive the award.

“I’ve really been lucky. It’s been an incredible job. I can’t believe it’s starting 29 years but we’ve had a lot of great events through the years,” Patterson said.

The Kiwanis Club says Patterson is the 50th Recipient of the Handclasp Award.