COLUMBUS, IN, March 16, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert D. Garton has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Before embarking upon his professional journey, Mr. Garton pursued a formal education at Iowa State University, from which he received a Bachelor of Science. Following this accomplishment, he received a Master of Science at Cornell University. After the conclusion of his academic efforts, Mr. Garton worked as a personnel representative for Cummins Engine Company, and as the owner of his own firm, Garton Associates Management Consultants.
Outside of his primary career efforts, Mr. Garton ventured into politics and ran against his local representative in Congress, Lee H. Hamilton. Though he lost the election, many people took notice of his talents, and encouraged him to continue his efforts. Mr. Garton went on to serve as an Indiana State Senator for 36 years, during whcih he was Republican Caucus Cahir for 4 years and President Pro Tempore, the top Senate leadership position in Indiana, for 26 years.
As a dedicated state legislator, Mr. Garton was proud to sponsor a bill that added the word "sex" to the Indiana civil rights code. He also co-sponsored the equal rights amendment, which passed while he was serving as the minority caucus chairperson. In addition, he was able to work the Special Olympics into the state budget bill. Mr. Garton prevented a sales tax from being added to groceries, and supported increases in sales and income taxes to reduce local property taxes.
In 1975, Mr. Garton chaired an interim study committee to oversee the commemoration of the 100th session of the General Assembly. Among the several projects that the committee recommended to the legislature, a history of the body was commissioned, which was the only example of its kind in the nation. The committee went on to publish an 800-page history in cooperation with the Indiana History Bureau and the Eli Lilly Foundation. In addition the committee published two volumes of brief biographical sketches of individuals elected to the Indiana Legislature from 1900 to 1984.
Long dedicated to his community as a civic-minded citizen, Mr. Garton has been active with Franklin College, the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, the Independent Colleges of Indiana, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Mid-West Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments and the Indiana Civil Right Commission. Moreover, he served as the vice president of professional development at Ivy Tech Community College. Mr. Garton is also affiliated with the Association of Retired Legislators and Beta Theta Pi.
His accolades include:
Legislator Of Year Award, Ind. Civil Liberties Union, 1999
Co-Recipient William M. Bulger Excellence In State Legis. Leadership Award, 1999
Named A Legislator Honoree, Ind. Coalition Human Services, 2006
Named Distinguished Legis., Planned Parenthood Ind., 2006
Ind. Wildlife Legis. Conservationist Of Year, 2006
Hon. Field Examiner, State Board Accountants, 2005
Pub. Servant Of The Year, Ind. Association Rehabilitation Facilities, 2000
Small Business Champion, Ind. Small Business Council, 1997
Hon. Citizen, Tennessee, 1977
Winner International Speech Contest, Toastmasters, 1962
Hon. Citizen, Iowa, 1962
Named One Of 5 Outstanding Young Men In Ind., 1968
Recipient Good Guy Award, Indiana Womens' Political Caucus, 1986
Distinguished Legis. Award, Planned Parenthood Ind., 2006
Robert Garton Leadership Award Established (First Recipient), American Red Cross Bartholomew County, 2007
First Freedom Award, Hoosier State Press Association, 2007
Robert D. Garton Conference Room Named In Hon., Columbus Learning Center, Ind., 2006
Robert D. Garton Vets. Plz., Columbus Ind. Named In Hon., 2006
Becky Campbell Lifetime Achievement Award, Johnson County Retarded Citizens, 2006
Lifetime Achievement Award, Mental Health Association Am., 2006 American Red Cross Ind., 2005
Consulting Engineers Ind., 2005
First Virgil "Gus" Grissom Leadership Award, 2005
Legislator Of the Year, Trial Lawyers Association, 2003
Friend Of Autism Award, 2001
Pub. Sector Award, Benjamin Harrison Medallion, 2001
Distinguished Pub. Service Award, Am. Legion, 2001
Friend Of Education Award, N. Central Business Education Association, 2001
Senator Of Year Award, Ind. Primary Health Care Association, 2001
Freedom Of Road Award, ABATE Of Ind., 2000
Outstanding Government Leader Award, Apartment Association Ind., 1998
United Senior Action Legis. Leadership Award, 1994
Outstanding Pub. Service Award, Podiatric Association, 1993
Lee Atwater Leadership Award, National Rep. Legislator Association, 1991
Guardian Small Business Award, National Federation Ind. Business, 1994, 1993,
Man Of Year, Ind. Rep. Mayor's Association, 1991
Guardian Small Business Award, National Federation For Ind. Business, 1990
Distinguished Service Award, Junior C. Of C. Columbus, 1968
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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