Larry Barbee Receives Jo Atwater Award

At the May 13 City Council Meeting, long-time Electric Systems Department employee, Larry Barbee, was honored as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award. The Jo Atwater Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a city employee. Larry received the honor for his exemplary 34-year service to his coworkers and the residents of Concord.

The Jo Atwater Award was created in 2003 to recognize one coworker annually who embodies the city’s organizational core values and commitment to serving others in the community. Jo Atwater was Concord’s Human Resources Director and worked for the city from 1994 until her passing in 2004. She was the first recipient of the award that was named in her honor. City Manager Lloyd Payne presented the award to Larry during a ceremony that included members of his family, colleagues, and past recipients of the Jo Atwater Award. “Larry is a valuable member of Team Concord and the perfect example of respect, teamwork, and high ethical standards,” said Payne. “True to the spirit and legacy of Jo Atwater, Larry has touched countless lives by selflessly giving of his talents and resources whenever possible. He is well respected across the state, beloved by many throughout our community, and unmatched in his commitment to serving others and his dedication to our city.” Larry was nominated by his coworkers for continuously demonstrating the city’s core values through exceptional service to the community, genuine concern for the individual, and dedication to the city he grew up in. “Having worked beside Larry for 21 years, I have seen him give his heart and soul to this community,” said Alex Burris, Electric Systems Department Director. “Larry is the epitome of a true public servant; he will always go the

Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award

extra mile to help anyone in need, whether it is an electric customer, coworker, or community member.” Anyone who knows Larry, knows phrases like “I can’t” or “I’m too busy” are not part of his vocabulary. He is often neighbors’ first call for help, and he continuously puts the needs of his coworkers above his own. Larry regularly volunteers to take the on-call duties from coworkers so they can spend holidays with family. He provides training and mentoring to new coworkers, and has taught both basic and advanced underground lineman schools across the state for Electricities of North Carolina. In times of crisis, Larry has also heeded the call to help in numerous storm restoration services. He has been to Lumberton, Eden, Kinston, Tarboro and Albemarle, as well as West Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, to help communities recover following devastating storms. When the opportunity arises to help a community rebuild, Larry is always one of the first to volunteer. He does so because he remembers the support from strangers that his family, and all of Concord, received following Hurricane Hugo. Larry continually strives to pay forward the kindness and compassion he received all those years ago. Outside of work, Larry is heavily involved in his church and community. He has served as the neighborhood liaison to Sapphire Hills for nearly 10 years through the city’s Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods program. He serves as a Deacon at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church where he assists the choir with constructing props and setup for plays and musicals, helps with events, and does lawncare for the church. He also works with Boys Scouts of America to help raise funds for various events. Larry has two daughters, and three granddaughters who live with him and his wife, Sharon. “You can call Larry many things – Deacon, Underground Supervisor, coworker, Dad, Grandad – but I am most fortunate that I can call him a true friend,” said Burris. “He is a one of kind person who has taught me a lot in the years that we have worked together, and for that I am grateful.” Serving his community, helping others, and creating lifelong friendships in the process is one of Larry’s great joys and why he has no plans to retire any time soon – and for that, everyone at Team Concord is grateful. Congratulations, Larry, on a well-deserved honor! •