New Tacoma Awards 2015 Nominations Open

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber works with the downtown community to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and events.  Well, it is that time of year again.  


Next month, on July 10th, downtown standouts will be honored at the New Tacoma Awards luncheon.  Last year's award recipients include:




Ghilarducci Award: Foss Waterway Seaport’s Rehabilitation

Popham Award: Justin Mayfield of Downtown Block Party

Public Places Award: Downtown On the Go’s Walk Tacoma

Schoenfeld Award: Tinkertopia

Union Station Award: Children’s Museum of Tacoma 

For more on last year's recipients:
http://tacomadowntown.blogspot.com/2014/07/new-tacoma-awards-honor-downtown.html


Who will be nominated to receive the awards this year is up to you.  Nominations are now open: http://bit.ly/NewTacomaAwards


If you love what someone is doing downtown, nominate them for an award:

• Popham Award: Building community spirit


• Schoenfeld Award: Retail/Restaurant pizzazz


• Ghilarducci Award: New development or renovation


• Union Station Award: Building momentum for revitalization


• Public Places Award: Activation of a public space

The online nomination form can be found http://bit.ly/NewTacomaAwards

Registration for the event is: http://business.tacomachamber.org/Events/details/chamber-luncheon-featuring-new-tacoma-awards-7-10-15-2532

New Tacoma Awards Honor Downtown Contributions



For more photos from the event, please visit the facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.781380005231446.1073741947.128539093848877&type=1

Businesses, organizations and individuals who make outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma were recognized with the annual New Tacoma Awards at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s monthly luncheon held Friday, July 11, at the Pacific Grill Events Center. 

The Chamber, in coordination with sponsors Tacoma Power’s Click! Network, Tags Awards & Specialties and Blitz & Co., honored nominees and recipients at the luncheon.

The 2014 New Tacoma Awards recipients are:

Foss Waterway Seaport’s Rehabilitation received the Ghilarducci Award that recognizes successful new development, renovation or beautification.  The Foss Waterway Seaport recently rebuilt its main north facing wall as a massive wall of glass windows.  This wall has invited the community into the space while also showcasing the Seaports' great collection and activities.

 

Justin Mayfield of Downtown Block Party received the Popham Award that recognizes the individual who has done the most to build community spirit. Through his organization, Local Life, Justin has created the Downtown Block Party, now in its fifth year.  This event brings hundreds of people to downtown for a free event each year highlighting some of the great things downtown Tacoma has to offer. 

 

Downtown On the Go’s Walk Tacoma received the Public Places Award that recognizes the best activation of a public park, open space or area within the public right-of-way. Downtown On the Go brings hundreds of people onto the streets of downtown making the streets more alive.  The growing momentum of the Walk Tacoma series is a great sign that people are ready to get to know their "downtown," contributing to the area's revitalization in a huge way.

 

Tinkertopia received the Schoenfeld Award that recognizes exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer.  Darcy & RR have created a unique have for artists and recyclers who are looking for something a bit different. They are a destination for teachers, students, artists, crafters, inventors, makers, hackers and tinkerers of any age in search of unusual materials for any creative venture.

 

Children’s Museum of Tacoma received the Union Station Award that recognizes leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization.  The mission of the Children's Museum of Tacoma is to celebrate the power of play in the lifelong journey of learning. They strive to be a leader in our community in using play to learn, grow and thrive.

 

After a great luncheon and energy from everyone making downtown great we are looking forward to all the exciting things our downtown community has in store for the next year.

Congratulations to the 2014 New Tacoma Award Nominees!

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.
 

This year the Chamber, in coordination with sponsors Tacoma Power's Click! Network and Tags Awards & Specialties, will honor nominees and recipients at the Chamber Luncheon on July 11th at the Pacific Grill Event Center at 1530 Pacific Avenue, 98402 from 11:30 to 1PM. For more information on the program and to register, please visit the Chamber's website.

The 2014 New Tacoma Award Nominees are:

The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification:

- Community Health Care’s New Regional Health Center
- Foss Waterway Seaport’s Rehabilitation
- HHJ’s Rehabilitation of the Rector’s Building
- Tacoma Post Office Building Rehabilitation
- UWT Section of Prairie Line Trail

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit:
 
- Dion Thomas of Gallery of Ambition
- JD Elquist of The Elquists
- Justin Mayfield of Downtown Block Party
- Rusty George of Rusty George Creative
The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space or right-of-way:

- Alchemy Skate’s Go Skate Tacoma Day
- City of Tacoma’s Pacific Avenue Streetscape
- Downtown On the Go’s Walk Tacoma
The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur:

- Anthem Coffee
- Creative Forces Gifts & Sundries
- Endless Prints
- Handlebar Cycling Studio
- Harmon Brewing
- Moss + Mineral
- Savor Creperie
- Stink
- Tinkertopia
The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization:

- Children’s Museum of Tacoma
- Downtown Merchants Group
- Milt Tremblay of UWT

Congratulations to all the nominees! For a list of prior winners, please see the Chamber's website. We look forward to seeing you on July 12th.

Congrats to All of the New Tacoma Awards Recipients!

(left to right:) Tacoma Runners, Sue Schaeffer, Tacoma Waterfront Association, Dawn Lucien, Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation, Frost Park Chalk Off and Dorky's Bar Arcade.
Congratulations to all of the New Tacoma Awards Recipients!

Each year the Tacoma- Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.

In coordination with sponsors AmericanWest Bank, Tags Awards & Specialties, and Blitz and Company, the Chamber honored both award nominees and recipients at the Chamber's July Luncheon last Friday.

The 2013 New Tacoma Awards recipients are:

The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification: Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation. The bridge celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this year after years of renovation and renewed community energy. The renovated bridge reconnects the downtown core to the tideflats and both the east and west sides of the Foss Waterway.

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit: Sue Schaeffer with the Tacoma Waterfront Association. During her tenure at the Tacoma Waterfront Association, Schaeffer oversaw numerous improvements to Tacoma's waterfront, such as seaplane floats, Point Ruston, and improving connections to the Foss. Schaeffer has worked diligently from the beginning to grow the organization, engage members, and improve Tacoma's waterfront to be a destination enjoyed for generations.

The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space, or right-of-way: Frost Park Chalk Off. For six months of the year, Joel Larson, RR Anderson, and others with the Frost Park Chalkies have met every Friday on the corner of South 9th and Pacific Avenue for the past six years. The chalk-offs bring people to one of north downtown's pocket parks for lunch, entertainment, and community energy.

The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur: Dorky's Bar Arcade. Dorky's fun blend of old school arcade games and laid back bar scene on the corner of 9th and Pacific make it a premiere hangout spot for locals looking to relax and have a good time. Owners Caroline and Les have also worked to bring the Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show to Tacoma from Seattle.

The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies, or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization: Tacoma Runners. Started in 2010, Tacoma Runners is a social running group that meets every Thursday evening at a local watering hole, bringing over 100 people. This popular group has a goal of healthily engaging the community and helping create connections between runners of all abilities.

Congratulations to all of our New Tacoma Awards recipients and nominees and thank you for all of your great contributions to making downtown Tacoma a wonderful place!

For information on all award nominees and past winners, visit the BIA blog.

Congratulations to the 2013 New Tacoma Award Nominees!

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.

This year the Chamber, in coordination with sponsors AmericanWest Bank and Tags Awards & Specialties, will honor nominees and recipients at the Chamber Luncheon on July 12th at the Pacific Grill Event Center at 1530 Pacific Avenue, 98402 from 11:30 to 1PM.  For more information on the program and to register, please visit the Chamber's website.

The 2013 New Tacoma Award Nominees are:

The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification:

·       Foss Waterway Sea Plane Floats
·       Murray Morgan Bridge Rehabilitation

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit:

·       Alex Hays, AB Hayes
·       Benjii Bittle, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
·       Patricia Lecy-Davis, Embellish Salon
·       Penny Dennewith, Lucky Penny Cafe
·       Rusty George, Rusty George Creative
·       Sue Schaeffer, Tacoma Waterfront Association

The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space or right-of-way:

·       Frost Park Chalk Off
·       Spaceworks Tacoma
·       Tacoma Urban Landscaping with Love Tacoma Lane

The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur:

·       Azarra Salon & Wine
·       Creative Forces Gifts & Sundries
·       Dorky’s Bar Arcade
·       Print NW
·       Savor Tacoma Creperie
·       The Office Bar & Grill

The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization:

·       Downtown: On the Go!
·       Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area
·       Hillside Development Council
·       Tacoma Runners
·       Tacoma South Sound Sports
·       Venti Productions

Congratulations to all the nominees! For a list of prior winners, please see the Chamber's website. We look forward to seeing you on July 12th.

New Tacoma Award Recipients Honored

Businesses, organizations and individuals who make outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma were recognized with the annual New Tacoma Awards at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s monthly Luncheon held today at the Pacific Grill Events Center. 

Keeping with last year's awards, the awards themselves are beautiful glass sculptures hand-crafted by Hilltop Artists mounted on bases.  The New Tacoma Awards are proudly sponsored by Absher Construction Company.

The 2012 New Tacoma Awards recipients are:

• First Night Tacoma-Pierce County received the Union Station Award that recognizes leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization. As a celebration of rebirth and new beginnings, First Night was itself reborn five years ago after a brief hiatus.  This year, it again showed its strength bringing thousands of people downtown for a full day of family friendly celebration. While the coalition of people and organizations contributing to First Night each year changes a little it has been a welcome celebration of the New Year.  Each year First Night reminds people who might not otherwise come downtown that downtown is a safe and fun place for all ages.  As the nominator said, “We need to cherish this institution.”

• LeMay – America’s Car Museum received the Ghilarducci Award that recognizes successful new development, renovation or beautification.  Past decades of annual LeMay family car shows have brought patrons and participants from around the world.  With the opening of the LeMay Museum, heralded by USA Today as one of the top 10 events to attend worldwide in 2012.  Harold and Nancy LeMay’s vision to preserve their unique collection is a gift not only to our community, but to the world of car enthusiasts as well. This year’s Ghilarducci Award winner builds on the successes of Tacoma to increase the visitor draw to downtown.  America’s Car Museum has truly global appeal while engaging volunteers in its mission.  In the nominator's words, “I cannot tell you the joy that volunteers and visitors experience when viewing these one-of-a-kind collections."

• The Swiss received the Schoenfeld Award that recognizes exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer. While The Swiss started out in a forgotten corner of downtown, downtown has come to it.  With the continued growth of UWT, Owners Jack McQuade and Bob Hill have been updating their approach to make the 19 year old institution more family friendly during the day while still, in the words of the nominator, “rocking the old space since before reclaimed buildings were cool.” Owners McQuade, Hill and Bertagni were downtown pioneers when they opened The Swiss in 1993.  Since then, they’ve faced street reconstruction, construction of a University, the death of a partner, and a constantly evolving downtown.  With great sandwiches like the Heart Smart Art to go along with musical acts drawing people to downtown Tacoma, we look forward to The Swiss contributing to downtown’s renaissance for decades to come.
  
  
• Tim Waer, Tacoma South Sound Sports, received the Popham Award that recognizes the individual who has done the most to build community spirit.  Tim has always had incredible energy for Tacoma, Pierce County, and athletics.  This past winter he turned his energy towards bringing these sports downtown with the first Let's Play Sports and Fitness Fest.  In less than two months he pulled off an event at the Convention Center that brought thousands of kids, parents, and athletes to downtown Tacoma.  This year’s Popham winner continues to build his record of community involvement and support of downtown and the greater Tacoma community.  While much of Tim’s energy has gone toward the success of Tacoma as a mecca for amateur sports, what many people don’t realize is just how many visitors this brings to downtown Tacoma every year.  With the Let’s Play Festival this January, downtown saw thousands of true amateurs, many under 12, come experience downtown.
  
  
• Wright Park Sprayground & Playground received the second Public Places Award that recognizes the best activation of a public park, open space or area within the public right-of-way. While Wright Park is over 100 years old it had a less than stellar reputation among families. Under the guidance of the Tacoma Metropolitan Park District and the Greater MetroParks Foundation, a revamping of the park was undertaken.  With the reworking of the ponds and playground and the addition of the sprayground last summer, Wright Park has become a year round family destination again. The coalition to rebuild Wright Park stems not only from public agencies, but from the extraordinary gifts of the community.  As part of the three-point-five million dollar Zinna Linnik project and capital campaign, not only was Wright Park given new life, but McCarver Park was completely renovated as well.  Without these investments, the community might have slowly forgotten about these downtown jewels.

The Luncheon, held at the Pacific Grill Events Center, was sponsored by Cascade Regional Blood Services.  The next Chamber Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, August 10, 2012.

Congratulations to the 2012 New Tacoma Award Nominees!

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with the New Tacoma Awards.  This year the Chamber, in coordination with sponsors Cascade Regional Blood Services and Absher Construction, will honor nominees and winners at the Chamber Luncheon on July 13th at the Pacific Grill Event Center.  For more information on the program and to register, please visit the Chamber's website.


The 2012 New Tacoma Award Nominees are:


The Ghilarducci Award recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification:

• 21st Street Park
• LeMay - America's Car Museum
• Old Post Office

The Popham Award recognizing the individual that has done the most to build community spirit:

• Athena Hitson, The Space
• Melanie Rushforth, Tap into T-Town
• Tim Waer, Tacoma Sports Commission

The Public Places Award recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space or right-of-way:

• Frost Park Chalk Off
• Polar Plaza at Tollefson Plaza
• Temporal Terminus: Marking the Line along the Prairie Line Trail
• Words at Tollefson Plaza
• Wright Park Sprayground and Playground

The Schoenfeld Award recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur:

• 1022 South
• Corina Bakery
• Stink
• The Swiss

The Union Station Award recognizing organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization:

• Downtown: On the Go!
• First Night Tacoma-Pierce County
• Stadium Thriftway
• Tacoma Farmer's Market (2010 Winner)
• Voices of the City Initiative

Congratulations to all the nominees!  For a list of prior winners, please see the Chamber's website.  We look forward to seeing you on July 13th.

New Tacoma Awards Nominations Closing

2011 New Tacoma Award Winners

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber works with the downtown community to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and events.  This year is no different.  With the New Tacoma Awards event coming soon, July 13th, the nomination deadline is looming.  If you love what someone is doing downtown, nominate them for an award:

• Popham Award: Building community spirit
• Schoenfeld Award: Retail/Restaurant pizzazz
• Ghilarducci Award: New development or renovation
• Union Station Award: Building momentum for revitalization
• Public Places Award: Activation of a public space

The online nomination form can be found here.

Registration for the event is here.

Last year's winners in the image at the top are (left to right):

Union Station: Theater District Association; received by Rick Jones (back)

Schoenfeld: Harmon Hub, received by Carole Holder

Ghilarducci: Joy Building @ UWT; received by Milt Tremblay & Mike Wark

Popham: Tammy Blount with TRCVB

Public Places: Spaceworks; received by Amy McBride, Rebecca Solverson, & Ben Ferguson

Congratulations to the 2011 New Tacoma Award Nominees!

Each year the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations making outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma with New Tacoma Awards. This year the Chamber will honor New Tacoma Award nominees and winners at the City Center Luncheon on April 1st at the Pacific Grill Event Center. For more information on the program and to register for the event visit the event page on the Chamber’s website.

The 2011 New Tacoma Award Nominees are:

Schoenfeld Award Recognizing exemplary performance and pizazz as a retailer or restaurateur
- 1022 South
- The Harmon Tap Room
- The Mix
- Harmon Hub

Ghilarducci Award Recognizing successful new development, renovation or beautification
- Spaceworks Tacoma
- The Joy Building, University of Washington Tacoma
- Ben Gilbert Park

Union Station Award Recognizing leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization
- Bruce Kendall, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County
- Go Local - Shift Happens
- Theater District Association

Popham Award Recognizing the individual that has done the most to build “community spirit”
- Tammy Blount, Greater Tacoma Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Mike Longergan, KLAY Radio
- Craig Perry, Dock Street Marina
- Emily Reiter, Business Examiner
- Mark Van Cooney, Hotel Murano

Public Places Award Recognizing the best activation of a public park, open space or area within the public right-of-way
- Spaceworks Tacoma - 2 nominations
- The Projecting Drop
- Frost Park Chalk Artists

Congratulations to all the nominees!

New Grocer and Downtown Awards Top City Center Lunch Program

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s quarterly City Center Luncheon is a great place to learn about new things going on downtown Tacoma. The April 1st luncheon program recognizes new businesses and developments in downtown and honors the individuals, organizations and businesses leading the revitalization of downtown Tacoma with New Tacoma Awards. Register today!

SAVE THE DATE

What: City Center Luncheon and New Tacoma Awards
When: April 1st, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m. (registration), 12:00 p.m. (program) to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Cascade Ballroom, 1515 Commerce St., Tacoma

Sponsored by Absher Construction Company

The City Center Luncheon program includes the following presentations:

The 2011 New Tacoma Awards
Each year the Chamber recognizes community leaders with New Tacoma Awards in five categories. Last year the Chamber recognized Pacific Plaza, Derek Young, Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Stan Selden, Dragonfly and Doyle’s Public House for their commitments to downtown. It’s not too late to nominate a leader! Award nominations are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 11, 2011. A complete description of the award categories, rules, and an on-line nomination form is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011NewTacomaAwardsNominationForm

Introducing Downtown’s Grocery Store
This summer downtown’s first grocery store in generations will open in Pacific Plaza on the corner of S.13th and Pacific Ave. The 16,000 square foot store will be a full service IGA branded grocery store that caters to office workers, residents and visitors. Join us to welcome store owners, The Meyers Group to the community and learn about their plans for this high profile new downtown business.

Downtown is Open for Business
There are many reasons to be optimistic about downtown Tacoma. For the City, the Chamber and others the many new businesses opening up and investing in downtown are at the forefront of that optimism. Bob Levin, the Director of the City’s Private Capital Division will introduce us to some of the new businesses that have recently joined our community.

What is Downtown Tacoma?
The boundaries of downtown can be elusive. Depending on who you talk to you may get a different answer about whether your business, residence or favorite shop is in the downtown. The City is working to clear up the confusion and better define the downtown boundaries. Join us to learn more.

Tacoma Art Museum Spring Preview: Norman Rockwell
This spring the Tacoma Art Museum welcomes a rare exhibition of Norman Rockwell’s iconic artworks. American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell celebrates the full range of Rockwell's artwork, including 44 paintings and 323 original Saturday Evening Post covers. Museum staff will provide a show preview.

Downtown On the Go – What’s Next?
Downtown On the Go is downtown Tacoma’s number one source for transportation-related services, resources, and programs specific to commuters, businesses, and residents. The organization is evolving with a new website (http://www.downtownonthego.org/), incentives to live close to work and a new leader at the helm. Join us to learn more about how you can take advantage of DOTG’s opportunities.

To reserve your seat at the City Center Luncheon register on line at http://www.tacomachamber.org/ or contact Cathy at the Chamber, Cathyt@tacomachamber.org, 253.627.2175

Price: $20 Ambassadors prepaid
          $25 Chamber Members prepaid
          $30 Members at the door
          $35 Non-members prepaid or at the door

It’s not too late to nominate a leader! Award nominations are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 11, 2011. A complete description of the award categories, rules, and an on-line nomination form is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011NewTacomaAwardsNominationForm.