Ward to be honored as Citizen of the Year

​     David Ward, president of Ward Development and Investment Company, has been named Grain Valley Citizen of the Year and will be honored during the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s  Toast of the Towns gala on September 25, 2021, at the Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center.
     At the event, individuals, businesses, and organizations will be recognized for making a significant philanthropic impact in Eastern Jackson County and surrounding communities. 
    In nominating Ward, Mayor Chuck Johnston pointed to Ward’s integral part in the growth of Grain Valley. His contributions include several residential, industrial, and commercial developments. He began building and developing in Grain Valley in 1990, owning and operating several businesses, including a hardware store, a grocery store, a storage facility, and The Old Towne Marketplace multi-use project.
    Ward Development has added approximately 1,750 homes to Grain Valley, including the development of six residential subdivisions.
     Ward is also active in the community and supports several organizations, including the Grain Valley Assistance Council, Boy Scouts, Grain Valley High School Booster Club, Grain Valley Youth Sports League, and the Grain Valley Santa Bus.
     “Grain Valley is years a head of where we would have been if it  hadn’t been for David’s hard work  and commitment to this city. Grain Valley owes a very large debt of gratitude to David Ward for all that he has done for Grain Valley in bring in new businesses and all the commercial development he has made available. This award is just a small showing of what is actually owed,” Johnston said.