JOLIET – Joliet has an image problem, said Nick Macris, president of Joliet/Will County Project Pride.

As the recognition organization’s 30th anniversary approaches, Macris thinks people are – overall – unaware of the people, things and places that make Joliet a great city. Project Pride wants to change that.

In 1985, when Joliet was battling high crime, unemployment and interest rates, the Rev. Jim Allen of Joliet, while vacationing in Australia, read this newspaper headline: “Joliet, Illinois – murder capital of the United States,” Macris said.

So Allen – already active in local clergy associations and known for positive thinking – set out to change that perception by founding Project Pride.

“To encourage people to have pride in their neighborhood and city, that’s as important as ever,” said John Zalanka, Project Pride’s treasurer. “We want to encourage people to live here and engage in wholesome, positive activities.”

The 30th anniversary honors banquet, “Music and Ministry: The Pearls of Joliet/Will County,” on Nov. 10 is significant for many reasons.

It’s the first time Joliet/Will County Project Pride will induct organizations, instead of individuals, into the Hall of Pride, which is displayed on the second floor at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library, Macris said.

Honorees are the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate and the Joliet American Legion Band.

The band will perform a celebration concert before the induction ceremony.

The second Rev. James E. Allen Award for Service to the Community also will be given. The 2014 recipient was Bill Doolin, surveillance manager at Harrah’s Joliet Casino/Hotel.

This year the award will go to Jan Nahorski, graffiti abatement officer for the city of Joliet, Macris said.

Starting this year, the city of Joliet partnered with Project Pride for its Neighborhood Hero Award, Zalanka said.

This award was initiated in 2009 to encourage residents in the 4th and 5th Districts to show pride in their properties, Zalanka said.

“We’ve now expanded that to all council districts,” Zalanka said, “and even outside the city of Joliet.”

Finally, Project Pride is making a major change. But that won’t be announced until the night of the banquet, Macris said.