Downtown Inc Announces Finalists for 23rd Annual Downtown First Awards

Downtown Inc is pleased to announce the finalists for the 23rd Annual Downtown First Awards, to be held at Keystone Kidspace on Thursday, August 10, at 5:30pm. The finalists from each category represent businesses, organizations, and individuals who have put Downtown York first, through their commitments of time, advocacy, and resources. This event is made possible through the sponsorship of The Glatfelter Agency.

The Downtown First Awards finalists honor individuals, businesses, and organizations in eight categories:

Outstanding Large Business Presented by Susquehanna Real Estate:

· Eisenhart & Co. CPA: Kevin Eisenhart launched his own practice after years in the industry and chose Downtown York as its home. After first opening on Queen Street, Eisenhart has since moved to the Susquehanna Commerce Center and owns two full floors, and is still considering further growth in Downtown York.

· Mid-Atlantic Valuation Group: With principals possessing over 60 years of collective commercial appraisal and consulting experience, Mid-Atlantic Valuation Group has been proudly serving clients with varying type of properties since 2006.

· White Rose Restaurant Group: With restaurants and venues such as the White Rose Bar & Grill, Rockfish Public House, Bridgewater Public House, and Valencia Ballroom, the White Rose Restaurant Group has provided culinary and event experience for all ages and interests for 90 years in Downtown York.

Outstanding WeCo District Business Presented by Stock & Leader, Attorneys at Law:

· Caraballo Sisters: Owner Justine Caraballo has a passion for cooking and bringing quality Puerto Rican foods to her loyal customers at Penn Market. Open every market day, Justine caters her menu to the cravings of her customers, a practice that pays off as she often sells out and has grown her online presence.

· Luxe and Mane: Owner Michelle Wright opened her doors 8 years ago in the WeCo District. She persevered through a fire during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained committed to her business. Now reopened, she continues to play an active role in the beautification of the micro-district.  

· Skid Row Garage: Over the last 12 years, 1,500+ bands from all over the world – including punk, rock, and metal genres – have stopped to play a tiny underground venue run by Matt “MC” Hyser. He has renovated a long-vacant property on the 200 block of West Market Street to relocate the DIY venue, Skid Row Garage. The venue has already hosted a number of sold-out shows, bringing in hundreds of new visitors and a fresh audience into WeCo.

Outstanding Market District Business Presented by CGA Law Firm:

·  Archetype Pizza: As an active member of the York Independent Restaurant Association, Archetype Pizza has provided an exemplary model for other businesses through their commitment to supporting local non-profits, equity and inclusivity, delicious and varied menu options, and promoting the common good in Downtown York.

· Refillism: As a relatively new addition to the Downtown York business community, Refillism provides both service and a retail experience that is unmatched in Central PA. In addition to providing educational and retail opportunities for zero-waste lifestyles, Refillism also proudly supports and collaborates with many local businesses.

· Timeline Arcade: Timeline has become a staple of family-friendly Downtown York. Consistently keeping their storefront clean and appealing and catering to all ages, Timeline embodies the best of the Downtown York spirit.

Outstanding Royal Square District Business/Organization Presented by Traditions Bank:

· The Dark Parlour: Owner Lauren Rae operates the only obscurities parlour in York County, bringing a refreshing outlook and insight to alternative lifestyles, histories, and collectibles that explore the human condition. As the organizer of Fang Around, a Royal Square district-wide event, they continue to promote inclusion, and acceptance, and showcase local merchants, musicians, and artists of varying nature.

· The Parliament Arts Organization: Offering over 100 events and classes a year, most of which are free or low cost, Parliament Arts has helped to transform the neighborhood into a vibrant, eccentric, and desirable attraction in Downtown York. They also advocate for emerging artists, offering low-cost studios and Artists-in-Residence opportunities to help grow the arts scene.

· World Grills: From Thailand to King Street, World Grills has some of the most authentic Thai food in the region. Owners Bas Pongsong and Ellie craft delicious food and a welcoming environment.

Outstanding Nonprofit Organization Presented by Shipley Energy:

· Community Connections for Children: Formerly Child Care Consultants, they have a vision for a thriving, growing community where all families are able to access high quality, affordable, early childhood education, and where children embrace a culture of learning, stay in school and excel, and businesses are able to recruit and retain educated employees. Community Connections for Children ensures that all families have access to affordable, high-quality child care choices that lead to success in school and life.

· Keystone Kidspace: Serving as an invaluable asset to thousands of York children and their families, Keystone Kidspace embodies the best of the Historically Edgy spirit through the renovation of an underutilized historic building into a modern center of creativity, exploration, and fun, while making it affordable to all regardless of income.

· Valley Youth House: For over 50 years, Valley Youth House has grown from a single shelter to hundreds across PA, including Downtown York. Representing more than just a roof and bed, they are an organization committed to building a solid foundation for every individual who comes through their doors. The organization serves as a catalyst for youth to achieve their desired future through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places, and build community connections.

Better York Appell Beautification Award Presented by Better York:

· Collin Holder: Since arriving in Downtown York in 2015, Collin has always taken the initiative and spends his own time and money to help beautify York. Often, you’ll find Collin filling planters at local restaurants, picking up trash around City Hall, spraying weeds, or watering the flowers in front of his Beaver Street residence.

· Ophelia Chambliss/Ophelia’s Making Agency: In the short time that Ophelia has moved her nonprofit, Making Agency, onto the 200 block of W. Market Street, the block has been transformed by the beautiful activation of the building at 251 W. Market, including a large WeCo mural and beautifully appointed storefront displays.

· Rich Reilly, Attorney at Law: Sitting on Philadelphia Street, Richard Reilly’s building serves as a beautiful, welcoming corner into the city. From his planters to his new outdoor seating to his bird feeders, Attorney Riley is always cleaning up, watering plants, and taking pride in his corner to ensure its cheerful welcome to the city.

Outstanding Individual Presented by PeoplesBank, A Codorus Valley Company:

· Peter Bottros: There are not many individuals as committed to sharing the joys of music with all in Downtown York as Peter Bottros. As the founder of the Shine Foundation, he is dedicated to offering free and accessible music instruction to all while continuously sharing the gift of music at many events throughout the community.

· Randy Flaum: Known as “York’s Storyman,” if there is a community event happening downtown, Randy is there to capture the moments and share with the greater community. Humility, compassion, and a fierce commitment to community are all descriptors of Randy.

· Jason Phillips: As a committed downtown dweller, Jason is always eager to share about his love of Downtown York. He frequently volunteers his time to provide insights as a local real estate professional or serving as a tour guide for Downtown Inc’s Sweetest Pint Tasting Tours or as a Downtown Ambassador.

The Change Maker Award Presented by C.S. Davidson:

· Vlonda Kearse: She has been a lifelong educator with York City School District at both Hannah Penn Middle School and Willian Penn Senior High School, and began volunteering with the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) in 2015 with their Summer Jumpstart initiative. She’s an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Cornerstone Baptist Church where her husband Rev. Dr. Mark Kearse is pastor. Both organizations are dedicated to serving the needs of the York community.

· Robin Shearer and Kelly Blechartas: As representatives of Friends & Neighbors of PA and the York County Coalition on Homelessness, Robin and Kelly have formed a powerful alliance providing information, care, support, and resources to our community’s unhoused populations.

· Chris Velez: Employed by Production Express, living downtown, and serving as a volunteer for many organizations, Chris has provided a great deal of service to the York community over the years. He has spent time helping to build up others and provide more opportunities for all, especially children, through his work with York County Community Foundation, The Cultural Alliance, Greater York Dance, Dreamwrights and many more.

With over 100 high quality nominations received in total, narrowing down each category to three finalists was a challenging task. Winners will be announced on August 10 at the Downtown First Awards. Tickets for the event are now on sale and available for purchase here.