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

Helping businesses prepare for everything

We really have some great resources to help our business and nonprofit communities around here.

The Delaware Small Business Development Center, in conjunction with the University of Delaware and the Small Business Administration, is hosting a Delaware Resiliency Summit, free of charge and open to all Delaware businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions and the general public.

The 2016 Delaware Resiliency Summit will cover how to protect your business through disruptions - whether from a storm, cybersecurity breach or supply chain interruption. 
The summit will include breakfast and lunch. Participants will receive a free business continuity guide and other giveaways.

April 6 Summit

Time: 8 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
Location: at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington

Click Here to Register for this FREE event.

I encourage all businesses and non-profits in the area to take advantage of this great opportunity.

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

Come Together To Support Our Friends

I have written before about how fortunate we are to have artists like Richard Raw in our community.

Now, we have an opportunity to help out Richard and his wife, Shah Janelle.

It is important for all of us to come together and support our own.

Click Here to learn more and order your tickets.

I want to thank those who have already stepped up to be a part of this event:

World Cafe Live at the Queen is donating the space for the event.

Parcels Inc is covering the printing costs.

I hope to see you on the 26th as we show our friends how much we appreciate and support them.

Marty