George Banning may not be a native of Plant City, but he’s certainly made the most of his 25 years in town.
Banning’s tireless work inside and out of Plant City was recognized Wednesday afternoon when he was surprised with the 2019 Citizen of the Year award at the annual luncheon in the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall.
“It’s a terrific honor,” Banning said. “I’ve experienced a lot of things around the world. And I mean that sincerely… but the one thing I like the most, I like working here in Plant City and helping people.”
After getting a degree in agriculture from Michigan State University, Banning served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. His specialty was aircraft maintenance and once helped train 500 airmen in just eight months. Banning retired as a captain after active and reserve service.
He is a longtime Rotarian, first getting involved with the group in Columbus, Ohio in 1976 and continuing everywhere else he’s lived. Banning has been a local club president, district governor and received the Service Above Self, Meritorious and Club Building awards. After Banning got to Plant City, he was instrumental in the organization of the Daybreak Rotary Club. He hosts the annual Cracker Country Feast fundraiser with the Daybreak club at his home to benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City and other local organizations. He has raised $200,000 over time to purchase satellite phones to distribute throughout the Caribbean islands. Banning is also a full-time adoption recruiter and works with foster care children in the United States and Canada.
Banning may be best known as the owner of two Wendy’s locations in central Florida. He has previously managed restaurants in the major fast food chain, at one time overseeing 13 stores while living in the Orlando area.
He is chairman of the United Food Bank of Plant City’s board of directors and a former member of the Plant City Family YMCA’s board. Banning received the Plant City Y’s Strong Leader Award in 2014. He helped bring a train viewing tower and the Veterans’ Park to Plant City. He is an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Plant City Garden Club with his wife, Cassandra Banning.
Banning told the audience at the luncheon he is just about ready to retire from his work with Wendy’s.
“I’m looking forward to retiring and spending more time doing what I’ve always wanted to do, and that’s traveling,” he said.