Downtown First Awards: Honoring Those Who Give Back to York

Downtown Inc will recognize businesses, organizations and individuals who put Downtown York first through their commitments of time, advocacy and resources during the 18th Annual Downtown First Awards sponsored by The Glatfelter Agency. This year’s Downtown First Awards will take place at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 12, at Logos Academy, 250 W. King St., York. Tickets are $25 and available for purchase online.

York Mayor Michael Helfrich will deliver welcoming remarks, while Braddock Mayor and York native John Fetterman, dubbed America’s “coolest mayor,” will deliver the keynote address and discuss his thoughts on the revitalization of small boroughs and cities, as well as his connection to the White Rose City.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for registration, with the awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. A reception with hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine and beer will follow.

Leaders of the City of York who have made a positive impact on the community will be recognized across eight categories. The list of nominees includes stand-out individuals and small and large businesses in Downtown York. Below are some of the awards that will be presented and a highlight of one of the nominees in each category:

Outstanding Small Business – Sponsored by Stock and Leader 

This award is presented to a business that has directly benefited York’s Business Improvement District and has 15 or fewer employees.

Weary Arts Group (WAG) is one of the five nominees in this category. Comprised of artists, educators and community leaders, WAG recognizes the power that the arts have to transform a community and strives to make a positive impact on the academic and social growth of the York community. This organization has created a range of specialty arts-based classes that has made the arts and arts education available for everyone in York.

Weary Arts Group | 118 W. Philadelphia St. | York, PA 17401

800-960-4163 | wearyartsgroup.com 

All nominees in this category include:

• DiDi & Smiling John’s Barber Shop and Salon
• Grace Manor Bed and Breakfast
• McCallister & Myers – Real Estate Services
• Qdot Engineering

Outstanding Nonprofit Organization – Sponsored by the York Revolution

This award is presented to a 501(c)(3) organization that has directly benefited York’s Business Improvement District and enhances the Downtown York experience.

Stick N Move Boxing received a category nomination in recognition of its outstanding work in the community. The organization provides at-risk youth an alternative to negative influences created by inner city living. Young individuals are prepared for future roles as productive members of the community. Since the inception of the organization, it has provided extensive boxing instruction and wellness opportunities to students who, due to their families’ financial limitations, would not otherwise have been able to participate.

Stick-N-Move Boxing | 2601 W. Market St. | York, PA 17401

717-600-9636 | sticknmove.com

All nominees in this category include:

• Appell Center for the Performing Arts
• Child Care Consultants
• Junior League of York
• Stick N Move Boxing
• York County Hispanic Coalition
• York County History Center
• York XL
• Young Thinkers of York

Outstanding New Business and Merchant – Sponsored by O.N.E. Hospitality Group

This award is presented to a business or merchant located within York’s Business Improvement District that has opened or relocated to the district in 2017.

Revival Social Club has been nominated for its work and dedication to creating a memorable dining experience every time guests walk into its doors. Created to be a destination to gather for interesting small plates, this restaurant takes on globally inspired cuisines served in an engaging and comfortable atmosphere. From carefully constructed cocktails to hand-picked produce and everything in between, Revival Social Club takes every step to make your dining experience remarkable.

Revival Social Club | 19 N. George St. | York, PA 17401

717.430.2981 | revivalsocialclubyork.com

All nominees in this category include:

• Appell Center for the Performing Arts
• Child Care Consultants
• Junior League of York
• Stick N Move Boxing
• York County Hispanic Coalition
• York County History Center
• York XL
• Young Thinkers of York