Celebrating downtown businesses, people
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Marietta's merchants and their loyal patrons were lauded Thursday during the Downtown Celebration with Marietta Main Street.
Five businesses were nominated for the organization's building improvement award, four business owners were nominated for the best neighbor of the year, three individuals were nominated for recognition as a community builder, three individuals were called the overachievers of the year and three community events were noted for outstanding collaboration.
Director of the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival Hallie Taylor, and former director Eric Dowler, were honored to be singled out for outstanding collaboration.
"That's really what the festival is all about," said Taylor. "The event itself has really a small budget but the impact is so much larger, with all of the shops that are visited and people eating and our work with the theaters and restaurants."
Dowler added that many visitors that come to the festival have kept in touch and returned at other times of the year.
"I think it helps put Marietta on the map as an outdoor destination," said Taylor.
Charlie Clay, owner of Dad's Primitive Workbench, not only felt honored to receive the award of best neighbor but also felt it was the embodiment of paying forward the neighborly deeds that bolstered his business for the last four years.
"When I was four years old I told my parents I was going to open a shop in downtown Marietta … I did four years ago and I got the warmest welcome from my neighbors," he explained. "From then on it built as trust and support on our part of the street grew and now I'm working to pay forward that support to other businesses."
Clay also coordinates Cash Mob Mondays benefitting different businesses downtown every month and has worked on Main Street committees for the promotion of events and coordinating programs.
"But really I think the star of the night is the one person that is the picture of shopping local and supporting small business," Clay added, pointing to the recipient of the overachiever of the year award.
Vicki Ayers, a resident of Oak Grove, said she simply loves downtown and so acts as the town's unofficial cheerleader everyday and everywhere she goes.
"I was overwhelmed when I was nominated," she explained. "It's just something I enjoy, I've always loved Marietta and being downtown. It's neat being recognized for doing something I would do anyways on a daily business."
Main Street Executive Director Cristie Thomas called Ayers the unofficial ambassador to the downtown, for her energy and excitement as she introduces tourists and travelers to the myriad of activities that go on throughout the city all year long.
"You can talk with shop owners and they find out what you like and then the next time you're in there they call you over with something special," said Ayers. "I just love being able to promote that community and that feeling of being at home downtown."
One large promoter of all things downtown is the visual aid and guidance that comes from Just A Jar Design Press.
Sara Rosenstock and her husband Bobby have brought not only their business to Front Street but also their creative direction to Main Street and its programs, explained Thomas.
"I'm a little surprised," said Sara after the couple was recognized as community builder of the year. "I didn't think we had a chance of winning after seeing who was nominated, and we all work together anyways, (Peoples Bank Theatre and Marietta Brewing Company) have both been our clients."
Dan Stephan, owner of Peoples News, also was recognized, for the renovation of the business's original location to once again house the newsstand last year.
"That's where my dad and his sister started the business so we tried to make it bright again. We're just pleased the community continues to support it," he said.
Main Street also recognized Debbie Cline as the Main Street board member of the year and Ryan Smith for championing the Main Street mission.
2018 Nominees for Marietta Main Street Awards:
* Denotes award recipient.
Building Improvement:
¯ Baker & Baker Jewelers.
¯ Peoples News*
¯ Platinum Salon & Spa.
¯ The Cook's Shop.
¯ The Lafayette Hotel.
Outstanding Collaboration:
¯ Community Pints.
¯ Ohio River Sternweel Festival.
¯ Rivers Trails & Ales Festival.*
Overachiever of the Year:
¯ Jodey Altier.
¯ Vicky Ayers.*
¯ Tyson Whistler.
Best Neighbor:
¯ Charlie Clay, Dad's Primitive Workbench.*
¯ Debbie Cline and Becky Pritchett, Twisted Sisters Boutique.
¯ Teri Ann Zide, Teri Ann's.
Community Builder:
¯ Hunt Brawley, Peoples Bank Theatre.
¯ Bobby and Sara Rosenstock, Just a Jar Design Press.*
¯ Tony Styer, Marietta Brewing Company.
Also recognized:
¯ Main Street Board Member of the Year: Debbie Cline.
¯ Main Street Mission Moment Award: Ryan Smith.
Source:
Marietta Main Street.