ANNUAL DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AWARDS
Amid celebratory air, Appleton Downtown Inc. honored local businesses and community members that are laying the groundwork for development and growth to build the future of the city’s downtown during its annual awards celebration on Tuesday, October 29 at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley.
The event was sponsored by Tundraland, AZCO, Inc., Warning Lites of Appleton Inc., Johnson Financial Group, CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoffman Planning, Design, & Construction, Inc., and Bazil’s Pub.
In addition to dinner, live music, auctions, and a remake of retro game show, The Newlywed Game, the event featured the presentation of ADI’s annual business awards to exceptional downtown entrepreneurs that make Downtown Appleton One Great Place.
The Walter Kalata Landmark Award was presented to Dr. Jekyll’s Bar. The award honors a business that has become a landmark in the downtown, a business that has withstood the test of time and operates with passion and a strong commitment to downtown. Dr. Jekyll’s location is one of the oldest bar/taverns in Wisconsin and one of the only two in the Downtown Appleton area deemed by the Wisconsin Historical Society. The building has been operating continuously as a bar/tavern since the end of Prohibition in 1933. The current owners are the 5th in line of owners in the 86 years of operation; while changes have occurred over the years, they stay true in honoring the long and rich history of their past.
Steve Demcak and Kathy Dreyer were presented the 2019 Downtown Volunteer of the Year Award for their dedication to create a quality place to live, work and play by giving back to the community. Steve and Kathy have been part of the volunteers who help with the Heid Music Summer Concert series - Steve since 2014 and Kathy since 2010.
Downtown Renovation Award was given to Mondo! Wine Bar & Retail. A vacant store front for 8 years takes some vision, inspiration, investment, sweat and many hours of work! Although the storefront is nearly 100 years old, it had a fantastic mid-century vibe that would work beautifully with their design esthetic. Once back to a white box, it was time for their funky mid-century magic to come to life. Everything came together piece by piece to create wow-moments like the focal point lighting, the custom formica retro bar, and of course, the periodic table of wine.
BConnected, LLC. received the 2019 President’s Award. This award is presented to an individual, group, or business that goes above and beyond in its partnership with ADI and its commitment to downtown. BConnected, LLC is a talented team of creatives that creates social media content to tell the most authentic story. By working with numerous downtown businesses, this company has direct impact on sharing news about activities, live music, and arts and culture to the community.
Presented to a business new to downtown in the last two years that shows longevity and fulfills a unique need in the downtown, the 2019 Rising Star Award was given to Casting On. Their business fills a unique need, not only in downtown, but in Appleton. They welcome all fiber lovers, offering a safe space for people, especially marginalized groups, to come together and create! Their store and classes expand the creative economy and opens the door to the world of fiber arts to everyone! Their fast-growing business is quickly becoming a destination. They carry unique fibers and notions that people will travel for.
The Bernie Pearlman Downtown Award is presented to a person whose dedication and enthusiasm have had a significant positive impact on downtown and who displays an overwhelming passion for its success. The 2019 award went to Chad Brady, local artist. Brady has created many murals in the downtown district that invoke conversation, honor history, spark emotion, and fill the public view with beauty. From David Bowie to Mile of Music to Paper Wings, Chad Brady has made Downtown Appleton a more colorful and vibrant place for years to come.
Presented to the business that stands out from the rest and captures the admiration of the downtown community for their ability to continually represent the spirit of downtown through their innovation, fortitude and reputation, the Downtown Business of the Year Award for 2019 was given to Shear Chaos Hair Parlour. Owners, Jillian and Tobin Campbell, made their dream a reality when they opened their business in 2010. Their vision was to create a place where everyone would feel welcome and get great service no matter if it is a new look or hot shave, plus have a great time while doing it. Their shop is a safe, quirky haven for love and craziness to coexist and they continue to infuse their creativity into Downtown Appleton.
For additional details of the ADI annual awards program and the organization’s development and promotional initiatives, please contact Lynn Schemm, director of Marketing, by calling 920-954-9112, or email lynn@appletondowntown.org.
ADI is a non-profit advocacy source for the businesses and merchants of Downtown Appleton, presenting the weekly Downtown Appleton Farm Market and a host of other events. For more information about ADI and/or a complete listing of upcoming Downtown happenings, visit ADI’s new website, www.appletondowntown.org, or check them out on Facebook or on Twitter @dwtnappleton.