Recognition for a job well done

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!

Marty

Idea Challenge In Wilmington

The Technology Forum of Delaware, 1313 Innovation, and Downtown Visions held the 2016 Idea Challenge last week - inviting teams to propose ideas about how to use technology to improve our city.

Our friend Ivan Thomas with DETV captured the evening in this video:

I've said it before, we are so fortunate to have so many smart, talented, and insightful people involved with our Downtown Wilmington.

Marty

Downtown Delaware Revitalize Conference

There is nothing like a gathering of professionals involved with the development of downtown districts. On March 16, Downtown Visions was honored to host such a gathering of professionals from Seaford, Milford, Dover, Newark, Middletown, New Castle, and more great cities throughout the First State.

Throughout the day, we heard from Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Economic Development Director Bernice Whaley, Mayor Dennis Williams, City Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz, Hal Real, Dr. Carrie Grey, Mike Hare, and many others sharing about experiences and visions for our downtown districts.

There is no doubt that we are seeing a real revitalization of our downtowns throughout the country as more people want to enjoy living, working, and enjoying life in a walkable area.

We were happy to be able to show off our Downtown area to our friends from around the state. They got to experience World Cafe Live at the Queen, the baby Grand, and dozens of our great restaurants.

I am proud to work with so many people who are committed to making life better for all who love, work, and play downtown.

Marty

The Queen Theater Featured as a success story

Reinvestment Fund is a catalyst for change that integrates data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the region. 

The Reinvestment Fund website has just listed Downtown Wilmington's Queen Theater as one of their success stories.

Here's an excerpt:

Wilmington, Delaware is experiencing a period of change mirroring that of numerous cities across the country, where there is renewed interest in spending time downtown after the workday has ended. In Wilmington, revitalization efforts have focused on ten full blocks along Market Street, attempting to breathe new life into the city’s most historic commercial corridor.

The revival of the Queen Theater, in particular, is providing compelling reasons for Wilmington’s large working community to venture out to Market Street.

Click Here to see the full post and enjoy a great video featuring Hal Real, Gable Music Ventures, and Angela Sheik.

I am so proud of the great venues we have in Wilmington for all of our talented performers.

Marty

Wilmington named one of top 5 cities for locating a coding school

It was just a couple of months ago that Wilmington was named a top city for startups, now we're in the top 5 list for locating a coding school.

Course Report is a site dedicated to offering reviews, insights, and analysis of coding bootcamps around the country. In a recent post, the site listed the five cities that should be considered for coding schools.

Here's an excerpt:

People wanting to learn to code in Wilmington can take advantage of coding bootcamp Zip Code Wilmington which opened its doors in September 2015. And national women’s coding organization Girl Develop It has a chapter in Wilmington, offering short courses and information sessions.

Click Here to read the full post.

I am proud of the great work being done here in Downtown Wilmington.

Marty