City councilman Ralph Manley was given the 2006 Springfieldian award by Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Jan. 27.

Manley named 2006 Springfieldian

Dee Dee Nilsen

Posted online January 29, 2006 | 11:00 pm

Ralph Manley, a name and face familiar to Springfield, thinks of his lifelong contribution to the city only as repayment for the opportunities it has provided him.

For Manley, Springfield has been the setting to raise a family, earn an education and make a living.

But while he may think he is indebted to the city, Manley's most recent achievement says just the opposite.

Manley was named 2006 Springfieldian at Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting Jan. 27.

“I was shocked, but I was thrilled,” Manley said, on receiving the surprise award. “I'm so honored to be in that class of awardees - it's kind of an elite group that you join.”

Past recipients include retiring City Manager Tom Finnie, businessman Jack Stack and Springfield Chamber President Jim Anderson, who was honored in 2005.

Manley currently operates Ralph Manley & Co., a real estate investment firm, with daughter Jennifer Manley Davis. As a developer, he was responsible for building more than 1,500 homes in Springfield.

Manley also serves as a city councilman, and, last year, he helped create the Ralph K. Manley Endowment for Parkview High School, the school attended by his three daughters. The fund will help purchase school supplies for students.

In 2001, Manley was given Springfield Business Journal's Lifetime Achievement in Business award.

The Springfieldian award has been given since 1957 and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and a dedication to community affairs over time.[[In-content Ad]]