The Ellensburg Downtown Association started their annual meeting and awards reception with a salute to past leadership that helped establish the organization. “We are still a young organization having just formed in 2004” according to Board President Gary Jones. “Yet even in that short time we’ve already seen a transition in leadership as Founding Board members have left the Board and in some cases our community. This was an opportunity to recognize the tremendous commitment in leadership and energy that it took to form the association and begin the revitalization process.”
The association also recognized David Wheeler who served as the association’s first Executive Director from 2005-2006, and volunteer and committee member Joan Allyn in recognition for her volunteer work with the association.
The Association also unveiled three new annual awards and announced their recipients.
Volunteer of the Year was presented to Beverly Heckart, a long time association volunteer and economic restructuring committee member.
Downtown Citizen of the Year was presented to Chris Schmidt in recognition for his support for the association as a Board member, volunteer, and financial sponsor, and advocate.
Jim Armstrong received the association’s highest honor as the recipient of the first annual Downtown Legacy Award. “This award is intended to recognize those individuals who's impact on downtown is felt over may years and transcends their own personal involvement.” According to Jones “The Ellensburg Downtown Association would not exist today were it not for Jim and his perseverance and leadership from our inception as a chamber subcommittee to our first fledgling days as a separate organization, Jim was the glue that held us together and the vision that propelled us forward.”
The association also recognized the Chamber of Commerce for their role in the early development of the organization.
During closing remarks incoming President Cinda Kohler presented the final award recognizing Sterling Savings Bank. Sterling has contributed $25,000 each of the last two year’s to the Association through the states Downtown Revitalization B&O Tax Credit.
“Like any non profit organization the EDA has had just three basic needs during these first few years, Wealth Wisdom, and Workers. And we’ve been very fortunate to find them all in one place. We our very fortunate and grateful for Sterling Savings generous support both financially and in the time and leadership that staff members like Gary Jones have given to support the revitalization of our Downtown”
For more information including a list of all award recipients contact the Ellensburg Downtown Association at 509-962-6246 or by email at info@ellensburgdowntown.org
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