Communities and projects across Michigan honored with second annual Downtown Revitalization awards from the Michigan Downtown Association

(ROCHESTER, MI) – Projects ranging from markets and alleyways to creative marketing, branding, and promotional campaigns were honored on Friday, Oct. 12 during the Michigan Downtown Association’s (MDA) second annual Downtown Revitalization awards ceremony at its 2018 Michigan Downtowns conference in Frankenmuth, MI.

Best Economic Development Project Over $1 Million was awarded to Mark Anusbigian of Plymouth, MI and the City of Plymouth DDA for the Westborn Market. The Lake Orion DDA received Best Economic Development Public Project Under $1 Million for its Flint Street Alleyway. East and West Dearborn DDAs were awarded Best Promotions & Marketing Project/Program for a Community Over 10,000 Population for Dearborn Restaurant Week. Additionally former Michigan Downtown Association executive director Jerry Dettloff received an award to honor Career Achievement in Downtown Revitalization, while Jean Doss, a partner with Capitol Services, received the MDA Champion of the Year award.

The MDA’s 2018 Michigan Downtowns conference, presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), featured sessions on specific downtown programs and issues with the theme “Driving Downtown Innovation.” Now more than ever, Downtown Development is a positive, powerful, and multi-faceted movement with momentum and an increasing number of diversified stakeholders. The Downtown Development movement attracts people of all ages and experiences, includes small towns and large cities, and has an exciting future.

Conference speakers included Leanne Tingay of the Orton Foundation, as well as representatives from the Michigan Municipal League and MEDC.


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