Clearwater Downtown Partnership Awards Momentum to Downtown Expansion

The Clearwater Downtown Partnership (CDP) hosted its Second Annual Momentum Awards Event Wednesday evening at the newly renovated historical Ft. Harrison Hotel. The Partnership, a private entity working toward the betterment of the Cleveland Street District in downtown Clearwater, honored the 2009 winners of its Momentum Awards.  These awards celebrate businesses, organizations, individuals and projects that have added to the vitality of the District.  The event was emceed by Nancy Howe, Publisher of The Maddux Business Report.  The Vice Mayor, Paul Gibson, delivered the event’s traditional “State of the Cleveland Street District Address” detailing the expansion of downtown over the course of last year. 

The CDP Board, Committee Chairs and downtown Clearwater business owners, property owners and residents selected this year's nominees.  The following category winners were:

·         Most Improved Property: Ft. Harrison Hotel

·         Individual Contribution: Robert Freedman, CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall

·         Business Sustainability: Chiang Mai Thai and Sushi, located at 415 Cleveland St.

·         Best/Most Creative Marketing Plan: PostcardMania for Miracle on Cleveland St. during the holidays

Included this year was a Special Humanitarian Award that went to Angie Chaconas of Angie's restaurant.  Angie and her family have graciously provided a meal to those in need every Thanksgiving.  She stated how thankful she is that in the 50’s her family migrated to "the land of opportunity" from her native Greece.  She recalls going to sleep hungry many years as a child and young adult and is grateful she has the ability to give to others.  She expressed that she desires this act of kindness radiates to others that also can lend a helping hand to those in need.

For more information on the CDP, please visit http://www.clwdp.org/

The CDP spearheads the 4th Friday events that offer fun, food and entertainment.  Mark your calendar to attend next week's 4th Friday party on Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater.   More information on this can be found at http://www.4thfridayclearwater.com/

About the CDP:
The Clearwater Downtown Partnership is an independent voice of citizens, business, and property owners who are interested in supporting the economic vitality of Downtown Clearwater.  It brings stakeholders together to develop, advocate and implement policies that build an exciting, vibrant and diverse downtown, and plays an essential role in keeping the business and residential community educated, informed and involved in the continued success of the downtown.  Membership donations will go directly towards projects that will create tangible result in downtown.  For more information or to become a member, visit http://www.clwdp.org/