This year's annual meeting of Marietta Main Street took the form of a Downtown Celebration. The Main Street Board of Directors planned this evening with the launch of a new tradition in mind: the Main Street Awards.
A total of 6 Main Street Awards were created, each positioned to celebrate a different component of a successful, thriving downtown community.
We are excited to promote the winners in each category of the 2017 Main Street Awards.
Building Improvement Award
Winner: Perry & Associates, 313 Second Street
Historic preservation and quality design are cornerstones of the Main Street mission. The Building Improvement Award is given to the building or business owner with the most improved façade. The winner of this award has improved the design of their building, beautified their building, and increased the value of their building – and our historic district - through renovation.
It goes without saying that a ~$2M investment into a previously abandoned building is stressful, and navigating the historic tax credit process can be painstaking – but the pioneering spirit of this project is wholly characteristic of this business, especially Jodey Altier, President of Perry & Associates. In partnership with Promanco, who was responsible for the construction and remodel of this gorgeous re-adaptation of what was once a Ford dealership in the early 1900s, this historic gem to downtown Marietta is once again open for business.
Outstanding Collaboration Award
Winner: Opening of Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam Street
The Outstanding Collaboration Award is to be given to a project that showcased a strong collaboration of local organizations to make an impact on downtown Marietta. This year, Marietta Main Street was honored to give this award to Peoples Bank Theatre.
Recently celebrating their one year anniversary, Peoples Bank Theatre has been a work in progress for decades. Local business owners, city officials, arts advocates, volunteers, and passionate citizens came together to build what Hunt Brawley, Executive Director, now leads today with dedicated staff like Drew Tanner and Chuck Swaney. This nearly $7.5M capital investment has been a driving force in economic development for downtown Marietta – successes that will continue to be bench marked we're sure for years to come.
Overachiever of the Year Award
Winner: Judy Phillips
The Overachiever of the Year Award is to be given to an individual who has gone above & beyond in championing the Main Street mission.
Judy Phillips has been volunteering with Marietta Main Street tirelessly for years. She shows up as often as she can to help with whatever she can. She has attended Heritage Ohio trainings, countless committee meetings, downtown volunteer days and other events over the years. Last year, she helped coordinate the grant that funded the expansion of our downtown beautification program.
This individual gives so much of herself to our community through Marietta Main Street, Marietta in Bloom, the Friends of the Armory, and other local groups and organizations. It’s safe to say that 2017's Overachiever of the Year is an incredible asset to our community and we are thankful to all she does.
Best Neighbor Award
Winner: Sylvi Caporale, Owner of American Flags & Poles
The Best Neighbor Award is to be awarded to a downtown neighbor – a business owner, property owner, or employee - who is always willing to offer a helping hand. Sylvi Caporale has not only been a committed volunteer for Marietta Main Street for years, but has also proven to be a steadfast advocate for downtown Marietta. The nominations submitted for Sylvi painted a clear picture: she is at the ready to help and is no further than a phone call away when it comes to lending a hand. Downtown Marietta is lucky to have business owners like Sylvi – who reaches out, offers support, and believes in our community – as much as she does.
Sylvi Caporale has been in business for 20 years as the owner of American Flags & Poles, and for 20 years our community has been better for it.
Community Builder Award
Winner: Laura Pytlik, Owner of Wit & Whimzy
The Community Builder Award is given to an individual that has facilitated the development of our community and unified people for the betterment of downtown Marietta in so many ways. Laura Pytlik has been an active supporter of downtown Marietta for years – from launching Marietta Marketplace with the goal of supporting entrepreneurs and increasing foot traffic downtown to volunteering as Market Manager for our first season of the Farmers Market on Front Street – Laura is an active member of our Business Enhancement Committee – a perfect fit for a new business owner on Front Street.
When Laura Pytlik opened Wit & Whimzy she, like many business owners, took a big risk to reach a dream. Most recently, Laura’s nomination was 1 of 14,000 that was submitted to The Small Business Revolution, and it is because of Laura’s passion and initiative that we had the honor of being shortlisted to 1 of 8.
Main Street Mission Moment Award
Winner: Dave Schramm, Owner of The Workingman's Store
Last year, we added a Mission Moment section to our Board meeting agendas. This time is intended for members of our Board of Directors to share stories from the previous month where they saw Marietta Main Street's mission come to life in downtown Marietta.
Everything from recanting successes of our events to sharing personal stories of conversations with tourists who visit to uplifting one of our volunteers for their incredible dedication, passion, and commitment to revitalizing downtown Marietta.
The Main Street Mission Moment Award wasn't promoted - we didn't request nominations from the public- our Board of Directors reserved this privilege of awarding this last award to a member of our community who has time and again gone above and beyond to serve our organization.
Dave Schramm is always available for a pick me up, for sharing wisdom, for hanging flowers and flags, and for supporting the development of our events. He has been a guiding light for Marietta Main Street, and it cannot be stated enough that we would not have made the impact we have thus far as an organization if it was not for his leadership.
Having served on the Marietta Main Street Board of Directors for 6 years, President of the Board for 2, Dave has proven to be a cornerstone for the foundation we've worked hard to build as an organization. This year, we are proud to be able to give this award to Dave.
