The charitable foundation is named for Landess’ grandfather, Springfield businessman and philanthropist Harry M. Turner, who paved the way for its creation as part of his estate plan.
Turner moved with his family to Springfield in the early 1920s and eventually founded the Turner Insurance Agency and the Cincinnati Insurance Company, now known as Cincinnati Financial Corporation. As the success of Turner’s business grew, so did his desire to help others. His Christian faith and vision for a stronger community are the guiding principles for The Turner Foundation today.
“We want to see a community filled with a spirit of hope, creativity, excellence and pride. Helping nourish these attributes pays huge dividends,” Landess said. “We want to encourage people to get more deeply involved, to have more pride in the community, to step out in new ways. In a community our size, every person can make a difference – it’s important for them to make a difference. The Turner Foundation has a multi-faceted approach to getting involved, investing and making a difference in the community.”
Landness knows firsthand about getting more deeply involved. The Shawnee High School graduate attended college at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. He decided to stay and eventually rose to vice president at the large financial institution AmSouth.
However, when his grandfather passed away in 2000, Landess was asked if he would give up his life in Nashville to manage the foundation. He and his wife returned to Springfield determined to make a difference.
“There is a growing passion among people to make Springfield one of the best places to live, work and play. This is really a community effort, and I hoped we could play a part in that,” Landess explained. “In larger metro areas, there is more intellectual capital, financial capital, diversity. In a town our size, organizations like The Turner Foundation can make goals more achievable.”
Landess said the Turner Foundation engages in a broad range of projects in an effort to see Springfield and the surrounding communities flourish.
“A hundred years ago, Springfield was thriving. My hope has always been that the work we are doing lays the foundation that will make this a thriving community once again with business activity and people using their God-given talents and skills,” he explained. “My grandfather wanted to see a well-rounded community.”
Since its inception, The Turner Foundation has invested more than $100 million in the local community. In addition to awarding grants to non-profit organizations annually, the foundation has invested in numerous community projects.
For example, the foundation contributed $5 million to the National Trail Parks Recreation District to renew, upgrade and expand local facilities.
It assisted in building the Sara T. Landess Technology and Learning Center – named after Turner’s daughter who also was actively involved in the foundation until her death in 2005 – at the Leffel Lane Campus of Clark State Community College.
Other educational beneficiaries have included Emmanuel Christian Academy, Wittenberg University and Cedarville University.
Efforts have focused on preserving Springfield’s history while propelling it into the future with efforts like rehabilitating historical homes. The Turner Foundation has been instrumental in revitalization efforts in downtown Springfield, including the creation of high-end apartments, bringing in new retailers, and refurbishing the former Springfield Inn.
Partnering with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce to bring more job opportunities to the area also has been a high priority.
Landess said as new needs and opportunities emerge, the priorities of the foundation will change and evolve.
“We believe it is important to continue to support those causes Harry Turner invested in throughout his lifetime, as well as to build new paths with wisdom and insight,” he explained. “We believe each of The Turner Foundation’s investments will be fundamental pillars in the process of constructing a vital community that offers many unique opportunities and benefits to its citizens and the region.”
Landess said he believes the foundation will make even greater strides over the next 15 years.
“My hope is that we will have lower unemployment and more activity coming off the interstate – it is such a huge asset for Springfield to be on I-70,” Landess said. “As we complete some of the projects we are working on now, I believe we will focus on other opportunities to serve in the community. There will always be opportunities to go deeper in the community. I really believe Springfield is going to come back, and I hope we continue to play a role over the next 15 years and beyond.”
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