I don’t normally do this – I don’t usually point out awards earned and accomplishments made by my team here at Downtown Visions. I find it much easier to talk about the great work being done by the business leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and residents in Downtown Wilmington.
But I think this is a big deal and I think it’s important to share this.
The Delaware Economic Development Office recently held the Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Conference in Downtown Wilmington and honored our team with several key awards.
Downtown Delaware Choice Award for our Façade Improvement Program – this is in honor of the work we’ve done to make several buildings along Market Street more colorful and architecturally interesting.
Best special Event Award for the Ladybug Festival – this festival, run in cooperation with Gable Music Ventures, draws thousands of people from around the region to enjoy music from dozens of singers and bands from throughout the region.
Best Downtown Development Program Award – this award recognizes the hard work being done by our team to help our businesses grow and attract more people to work, live, and play in Downtown Wilmington.
Diane Laird, Will Minster, Marty Hageman, and Bernice Whaley - photo by Jeff Stone
I have to give credit to the individuals responsible for the hard work behind these recognitions - Loshawn Maxwell, Michael Maggitti, Will Minster, and Lani Schweiger – these are the men and women who make sure our Downtown Wilmington is clean, safe, exciting, welcoming, and inspiring for all.
I am also proud of the Downtown Businesses that received awards for their accomplishments:
Buccini/Pollin Group
– Best Adaptive Reuse – 627 N. Market Street
- Best Upper Floor Renovation – Market Street Village
- Best New Building – 608 N. Market Street
- Outstanding Downtown Community Partner
Scott Morrison – Owner of Chelsea Tavern and Ernest & Scott Taproom
- Outstanding Downtown Business Owner
Jimmy Hackett – Owner of Leo and Jimmy’s Delicatessen
- Outstanding Downtown Business owner
- Best Façade Over $7,500
Revitalize Conference at World Cafe Live at the Queen - photo by Jeff Stone
Scott Morrison
Jimmy Hackett
I also want to recognize the other great Downtown organizations that participated in the program and were recognized for their outstanding work in:
- Seaford
- Milford
- Laurel
- Middletown
- New Castle
- Rehoboth Beach
- Smyrna
- Dover
- Georgetown
- Newark
Governor Jack Markell participated in the conference and has made his views on the importance of our Downtowns clear in this video:
Downtowns throughout the state are experiencing a great revitalization - and we at Downtown Visions are honored to be a part of the exciting things happening in Wilmington.
I want to thank Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Economic Development Office Director Bernice Whaley, Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams, and Downtown Delaware State Coordinator Diane Laird for putting this conference together and for all of the hard work they do to make our downtowns better.
And again, thank you to all of my colleagues here at Downtown Visions - your awards are well deserved and the work you do every day makes a real difference!