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2011 DLC Annual Meeting and Awards of Excellence

The 2011 DLC Annual Meeting and Awards of Excellence is scheduled for Monday, December 12, 2011 at 11:30am, in the Hilton Downtown/Lexington.

This event is open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations are $35 per person and $350 per table of ten for DLC Members, $40 per person and $400 per table of ten for non-members. To purchase tickets, please contact the DLC office at 859-425-2593.

The Downtown Lexington Corporation will soon be announcing the winners of the 2011 DLC Awards of Excellence. This year there are six different awards up for grabs, they are: the Urban Innovation Award, Landscape and Streetscape Award, Leadership Achievement Award, Perfect Partner Award, Outstanding Individual Award and the Smiley Pete Award.

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.

Winners: Shorty's Urban Market for rehabilitating an old bank building and adding a long awaited, full service urban grocery to the core of Downtown.

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

Winners: Management & Ownership of TrusT Lounge for having the vision to look beyond "what is" to "what could be", this building will be recognized as a work of art and Downtown focal point for decades to come. The investment made in bringing this building back to life is commendable, and will hopefully encourage other property owners and investors to enhance downtown structures worthy of preservation.

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

Winner: Madison Capital Management for the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel & World Trade Center Office Building for their financial investment in Downtown and for reinventing the former Radisson into a newly refurbished and reinvigorated hotel property. Their investment of over $15 million has transformed this large hotel and adjoining 17 story World Trade Center office building. Their investment in and commitment to Downtown Lexington is self-evident.

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

Winner: Don Wathen for his tireless cheerleading and personal investment in the Jefferson Street Corridor which has transformed into a destination for dining and entertainment.

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.

Winner: Dr. Lee Todd for his commitment to Downtown Lexington, the Bluegrass region and the Commonwealth of Kentucky throughout his career as an educator, entrepreneur and President of the University of Kentucky. His dedication to the Town and Gown Commission, the Downtown Design Center, the partnership between UK Athletics and the Lexington Convention Center/Rupp Arena and his tireless focus on further strengthening UK's role as an economic engine for Lexington will be recognized and appreciated for years to come.

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.

Winners: Jeff Dabbelt and the Lexington Farmers Market for keeping this treasured staple in Downtown Lexington and encouraging space where locals and visitors can socialize, enjoy creative cuisine, and take home a piece of what makes our community unique. By holding the weekly Saturday market year-round, and the Tuesday/Thursday market from April-November, shoppers have the opportunity to purchase locally sourced items in a fun, charming atmosphere.

Thanks to all our partners and sponsors for making the 2011 DLC Annual Meeting and Awards of Excellence a success including: Alltech's Kentucky Ale, AT&T The Real Yellow Pages, Blue and Company, Columbia Gas, Community Trust Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Keeneland, KEMI, Kentucky League of Cities, Kentucky Utilities, Kinzelman Kline Gossman, Lexington Clinic, Messer Construction, Michael Breeding Media, PNC Bank, Preston-Osborne, Saint Joseph Health Care System, Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC, Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, Traditional Bank, Travelhost of the Bluegrass, University of Kentucky, The Webb Companies, and Windstream Communications.