2007 Annual Meeting & Awards of Excellence

Monday, December 3, 2007

11:30am - 1pm

The Lexington Center

Bluegrass Ballroom Reception Area

The awards were presented by Woodford Webb, President of the DLC Board of Directors and Renee Jackson, President of the DLC.

View the Awards Video Introduction

(Adobe flash player is required to view the videos.  Get it here)

Video Prepared by Michael Breeding Media

Urban Innovation Award
Given to businesses or individuals for a successful and truly trail-blazing activity in a previously underdeveloped area or facet of Downtown Lexington.  Included in this category is recognition for new efforts, for continued and expanded work, and for creative and unusual achievement.

Stella's Kentucky Deli and Al's Bar
Stella’s Kentucky Deli was opened in May of 2006 with the philosophy of supporting local farmers and local food economies.  Their mission is to produce simple, high quality foods that emphasize the superior flavors and textures of fresh, local ingredients. To achieve this goal, Stella’s developed relationships with local farmers and food producers in the Lexington area and throughout the Commonwealth. In 2007, the owners of Stella’s Deli opened a second diner on N. Limestone, Al’s Bar, spreading their passion for fresh foods into a new area of downtown Lexington. Stella's Kentucky Deli and Al's Bar offer an affordable alternative to eating in the downtown area, and stand as community pillars in their respective neighborhoods, and have earned the 2007 DLC Urban Innovation Award for their efforts in putting an emphasis on bringing locally and regionally produced food to all walks of life in Lexington.

View the 2007 Urban Innovation Award Video

Accepting the 2007 Urban Innovation Award from Stella's Deli and Al's Bar were (from left to right)
Griffin Van Meter, Aumaine Mott, Dr. Paul Holbrook, Josh Miller and Lester Miller

Dr. Paul Holbrook (center) accepting the 2007 Urban Innovation Award.

Landscape and Streetscape Award
Given to businesses and/or property owners for outstanding effort in maintaining a visual pleasantness to Downtown. 

Nancy Barron
For many years prior to and after being purchased by Nancy Barron, the property on Grand Blvd. functioned as a multiple commercial unit, including The Old Town Inn, Del Frisco’s Steak House, Ed & Fred’s Desert Moon, and The Grand Sports Bar.  In 2006, the property was renovated and repurposed as a duplex which now serves as the life/work space of Nancy Barron and her financial investment business.  The new décor for the building incorporates both new and recycled materials, modern and traditional design elements. A private patio was created to include a pond while an abundance of landscaping was planted to attract birds and butterflies.  This property brings a unique design element to downtown Lexington and demonstrates how urban property landscaping can be creative and unique.  For her revitalization of an average commercial property into an immaculate landscape and hidden treasure incorporating the use of traditional and modern design elements on Grand Blvd., Nancy Barron is the recipient of the DLC 2007 Landscape and Streetscape Award.

View the 2007 Landscape & Streetscape Award Video

Nancy Barron (center) accepting the 2007 Landscape and Streetscape Award.

Leadership Achievement Award
Given to the business or organization which best exemplifies exceptional contribution to the business, civic, or human vitality of Downtown Lexington. 

The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council
The Lexington Fayette Urban County Council consists of 15 individuals elected from the 12 districts and 3 county wide seats comprising our government. As the legislative branch of our local government these 15 people have many responsibilities while most continue to work their “day job”.  They establish budgets and set and levy taxes within their designated authority  and their service is not envied by most but is often critiqued by all.  The current council has already shown a willingness to come together and make strides for Lexington. There have not always been unanimous decisions on issues but there is a solidarity within this group that respects the opinions and decisions of everyone in order to continue to make progress.  Vice Mayor Jim Gray and council members: Linda Gorton, Chuck Ellinger, Andrea James, Tom Blues, Dick DeCamp, Julian Beard, David Stevens, Kevin Stinnett, KC Crosbie, George Myers, Jay McChord, Don Blevins, Richard Moloney and Ed Lane have all committed to making Lexington a world class city and have made much progress to that end in a very short time.   For demonstrating a vision for our city and commitment to making Lexington great. The Urban County Council members have forged a unique working relationship with a common goal of moving Lexington forward.  Congratulations council members for receiving the 2007 DLC Leadership Achievement Award.

View the 2007 Leadership Achievement Award Video

  
The LFUCG Council Members (from left to right):  Kevin Stinett, Chuck Ellinge, KC Crosbie,
Dick DeCamp, Andrea James, Dr. David Stevens, Jay McChord and Jim Gray.

Perfect Partner Award
Given to a person or organization that contributes greatly to the Downtown Lexington mission. 

Commerce Lexington Inc.
Commerce Lexington Inc. is a voluntary association of business and professional firms joined to achieve healthy community growth and a sound economy.  In 2004, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington United, and Lexington Partnership for Workforce Development joined forces to create Commerce Lexington – truly exemplifying their willingness to partner and combine resources.  Commerce Lexington refines the age-old principle of mutual self-help through voluntary cooperation; they utilize the talent and imagination of its leadership in planning and carrying out sound programs for economic well-being.  For supporting businesses throughout LEXINGTON, especially downtown Lexington business, Commerce Lexington has taken instrumental stances on issues. They have lobbied tirelessly on behalf of Lexington and downtown, and its leaders and staff are always ready to lend structured advice and assistance to the DLC to further its mission.  Congratulations to Commerce Lexington for receiving the 2007 DLC Perfect Partner Award Award.

View the 2007 Perfect Partner Award Video

Bob Quick, President of Commerce Lexington (center) accepting the 2007 Perfect Partner award
along with Ann McBrayer (far left), President of Commerce Lexington Board of Directors.

Outstanding Individual Award
Given to an individual who has contributed to the growth, vitality, and overall appeal of Downtown Lexington, making it a better place to live, work, and visit. 

Ed Houlihan
Since graduating from UK in 1963 with a degree in journalism and advertising, the name Ed Houlihan is synonymous with Downtown Lexington.  As Executive Director of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, Ed Houlihan made his mark and impact on the landscape of downtown Lexington in some amazing ways. 

• He initiated the move of the Chamber from Transylvania’s Campus to its current location in 1993.

• He was involved with the plan to move the Central Public Library from its former location at Gratz Park to its current location on Main Street. This move included the construction of the new library and parking structure.

• During his tenure at the Chamber, he was involved with starting crime stoppers program in cooperation with the Mayor’s office and Police Department.

• He assisted in expanding the Lexington Sister Cities program by helping to establish the Sister City relationship with County Kildare, Ireland, and served as Chairman of the Irish sister city for 24 yrs. And after the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse was built, Ed turned his attention to creating the Lexington History Museum at the site of the former courthouse.

For his contributions to downtown Lexington through his work at the Lexington History Museum, Lexington Sister Cities Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and numerous other organizations over the years, Ed Houlihan is presented with the 2007 DLC Outstanding Individual Award.

View the 2007 Outstanding Individual Award Video

    
Ed Houlihan accepting the 2007 Outstanding Individual Award.

Smiley Pete Award
Given to the organization, business, or individual that has a great impact on how people feel about Downtown.  Named in honor of that longtime canine resident of Main and Lime, and created as the ultimate in compliments for one who helps everyone enjoy being Downtown.

Yellow Bikes
The Yellow Bikes concept is a community-sponsored program dedicated to providing human powered transportation to residents, workers and visitors in downtown Lexington. The program follows the examples of several other cities around the United States and was designed to promote a bike friendly community.  The Yellow Bikes program was started in the Spring of 2007 with private funding from BB&T, Epic Design & Construction, Gray Construction, Lexington’s Real Estate Company, South Hill Group, Pedal Power, Smiley Pete Publishing and Downtown Lexington Corporation.  These sponsors contributed toward the initial fleet of 80 identical bicycles that were placed around downtown Lexington.  Yellow Bikes have served to make a true statement about the health and vitality of our community.  For taking a risk and introducing these alternative modes of transportation with much fanfare in 2007, congratulations to Yellow Bikes for winning the 2007 DLC Smiley Pete Award.

View the 2007 Smiley Pete Award Video

Yellow Bikes representative Phil Holoubeck (center), of Lexington's
Real Estate Company, accepting the 2007 Smiley Pete Award.

Lifetime Member Award
In recognition of special contributions to the Downtown Lexington Corporation and to Downtown. 

Rose Lucas
Born in Lexington, Rose Lucas received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Transylvania University and completed her graduate work at the University of Kentucky in Education Administration. She taught in public and private schools in Kentucky and Ohio and has served as Assistant Director of Admissions at Transylvania University.  For nearly two decades, Rose Lucas served as the Executive Director of Downtown Lexington Corporation.  “Rose was a tireless, driving force to make Lexington a better place for all its citizens who live, work or play in downtown, said Steve Kelly. “At events, in committee meetings and council meetings and on the street, Rose was an advocate for the DLC and its members.”  Under her leadership Lexington was introduced to Mayfest, Thursday Night Live, Kentucky Stars, Touchdown Downtown, and Holiday enhancements.   Rose has maintained her involvement with downtown Lexington over the years through numerous organizations including the Lexington-Fayette County Planning Commission, International Downtown Association, the Downtown YMCA, the Friends of the Farmers Market, the Newman Foundation at the University of Kentucky, the Catholic Diocese of Lexington School Board, and the League of Women Voters.  For her long-standing and continued dedication, support and involvement with the Downtown Lexington Corporation, Rose Lucas is the recipient of the 2007 DLC Lifetime Member Award. 

View the Lifetime Member Award Video

Rose Lucas (center), former Executive Director of the DLC,
accepting the Lifetime Member Award.

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