New Tacoma Awards - 2011

The Tacoma-Pierce County presented its annual New Tacoma Awards at a luncheon Friday at Marriot’s Cascade Ballroom. The New Tacoma Awards are meant to honor the individuals, organizations and businesses leading the revitalization of downtown Tacoma with the annual New Tacoma Awards:

The 2011 New Tacoma Award Nominees were (winners bolded):

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 Lonergan, 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
• The Projecting Drop
• Frost Park Chalk Artists

Also at the luncheon was Lonnie Kyser, representing the Myers Group that is putting in a grocery store at Pacific Plaza. Kyser said they planned on opening the weekend after Labor Day, it would have a “European market feel,” and pricing would be closer to Safeway and Albertson’s than what many expect from a smaller store. It will have a “great wine section’ and you will enter to a large produce section. The Store Director will be Charlie McKissic who lives just seven miles away from the store’s location.