Receiving an award is nothing new to SEH’s Doug Olson, Director of Government Affairs in Indiana.

After building an outstanding record of achievement over the course of his 28-year career as an Indiana public servant, he was no stranger to the award podium. But, when the Greater Portage, Indiana Chamber of Commerce conspired with Doug’s wife to set him up for a surprise presentation of its Outstanding Public Citizen Award at the Chamber’s gala annual dinner, Doug for once was caught completely by surprise.

He didn’t even have a chance to dress for the occasion. Doug and his wife had just attended their daughter’s college soccer game and were on their way home when his wife suggested they stop by the Chamber Dinner because the Lakefront Park (an SEH project) was going to receive an award. It hadn’t been on his immediate agenda, but Doug agreed. “Here I go walking in sporting my usual soccer game attire of sweats, and the next thing I know, I’m in front of a crowd much better dressed than me,” laughed Doug. “And then, they asked me to come up on the stage. I was surprised, but very honored.” The award was presented in recognition of Doug’s eight years of service as Mayor of Portage and for his public service contributions as city clerk-treasurer and city councilman. His many contributions to the community as a private citizen were also noted as part of the presentation. Doug says he learned something that day, too: “Always listen to your wife.”