10/01/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 11:35
Hallowell, MAINE - October 1, 2024 -The Maine Downtown Center (MDC), a program of Maine Development Foundation (MDF), is thrilled to announce awards recognizing projects and individuals that have made the biggest impacts in downtown communities in the past year.
"These exemplary individuals and projects are shining examples of the power of collective action to preserve and revitalize our downtowns," says Anne Ball, Senior Program Director for MDF's Maine Downtown Center. "They model strategies and best practices that will ensure the communities they live and work in remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come."
The MDC team gathered nominations for the awards during a competitive process, and proudly announce the following winners:
The MDC Annual Awards serve as inspiration statewide for communities and individuals working on downtown revitalization. They recognize outstanding efforts in communities which are part of MDF's Maine Downtown Center program.
"I am incredibly humbled and honored to receive the William F. King Jr Award while representing the Town of Van Buren," says Luke Dyer, Town Manager, Van Buren. "It exemplifies the dedication and tenacity of many individuals who have entrusted in me the reinvention of their beloved downtown."
"Rhona Beauty strives to be an inclusive cornerstone of the Biddeford-Saco community and we are thrilled to be recognized for this work," says Rhona Deah, Owner of Rhona Beauty salon. "We started with a goal of meeting the needs of the region's underserved ethnic community. We've grown to become a multicultural hub for our clients but also for fellow entrepreneurs and community members as well."
"The Szanton Company is honored to be recognized with MDC's 2024 Downtown Project of the Year Award," says Amy Cullen, Vice President & Project Partner with The Szanton Company. "We are proud to be part of easing the housing crisis in the Bath region and hope The Uptown serves as a model for making housing more affordable and accessible across Maine."
The awards will be presented during MDC's upcoming Annual Conference and Awards Celebration November 6-7 in Biddeford and Saco. The theme this year is "Revitalization in Action." For more information and the complete schedule of workshops, speakers, and networking sessions visit the conference section of MDF's website.
To learn more about Maine Downtown Center and how your community can get involved, visit the MDC section of this website. our website.