Submitted by the Olympia Downtown Alliance
On Monday evening, February 5 the Olympia Downtown Alliance (formerly the Olympia Downtown Association) held its Annual Meeting at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Attendees witnessed the unveiling of the Downtown Alliance’s new name, logo, website (DowntownOlympia.org), and organizational materials.
“The name change to the Downtown Alliance is a nod to the importance of seeking and finding common ground amongst various stakeholders in Downtown Olympia” said Board President Dave Wasson. “It’s time that we realize what we can accomplish, as business leaders, in this Downtown. Together, we are strong.”
During the program, Executive Director Todd Cutts presented the Downtown Alliance’s strategic priorities and the initiatives the organization is undertaking to achieve these priorities. Alliance priorities include: Advocacy, Vibrant, Clean, and Safe, Imagemaking, and Business Assistance. The new website will serve as a tool to educate about the work that the Downtown Alliance is undertaking, as well as featuring a dynamic Downtown business directory. A comprehensive event calendar that will be housed on the website is also in the works.
Event emcee Jerry Farmer of 94.5 ROXY also introduced City of Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby. The Mayor updated members of the audience about the City’s effort to revitalize Downtown.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the annual Downtown awards. Dave Wasson, President of Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters was presented with the Person of the Year award for his leadership of the Downtown Alliance and in Downtown in general. Past award winners were responsible for the selection of the winner.
The President’s Volunteer of the Year award was presented to former Board Member and Treasurer Jennelle Riffe for her tireless work to ensure financial stability for the organization. The Business of the Year award was presented to Thomas Architecture Studios (TAS). TAS was selected in recognition for their commitment to new, quality development in Downtown Olympia and their passion for urban revitalization.
Anna Schlecht, Project Coordinator for the Downtown Alliance’s Volunteers in Paint program presented the Paint Volunteer of the Year award to Brad Turner and the Business Sponsor of the Year award to the McMenamin’s Spar Café.
About Olympia Downtown Alliance
The mission of the Olympia Downtown Alliance is to advocate for business and property owners while serving as a catalyst for downtown prosperity and positive perception. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advocates for business and property owners in Olympia, Washington.
More on the Olympia Downtown Alliance can be found here.
