Four St. Charles programs in the running for awards

Four separate programs managed by the Downtown St. Charles Partnership in support of downtown revitalization have been named finalists for Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's "Awards for Excellence," according to David Richards, executive director of the organization.

The awards are presented annually at the Illinois Main Street Annual Conference, in "recognition of outstanding programs and efforts in support of downtown revitalization and preservation." Nominations are open to all of the more than 60 communities throughout Illinois who are associate or designated members of Illinois Main Street.

"This year, we submitted seven different projects we felt met the demanding qualifications for consideration," Richards explains. These were:

• The Rockin' Block Party, a celebration of the reopening of First Street; it drew an estimated 3,000 people for a community street party;

• The series of free monthly Business Development Breakfasts, with industry experts addressing a wide range of topics to assist the small-business owner;

• "Make Tracks to 1st Street," a retail promotion that ran for eight weeks in May and June to help entice shoppers to First Street and Fox Island Square businesses during construction, and to qualify for chances for weekly prizes donated by the businesses themselves. More than 5,000 entries were received during that period;

• The "Heart of St. Charles" fundraiser, a limited edition print (only 195 produced) of an original oil painting by world-renowned Ukrainian artist, Vitaly Mikhailov. The painting features the river, Hotel Baker and the Main Street bridge as seen from the Illinois Street bridge;

• The Partnership's 2007 Annual Report, Pictures in Time, for best publication

• The opening and immediate success of Sage Bistro, in the Best New Business Success category

• The Bob Leonard Walkway between Illinois and Indiana Streets, to combat river bank erosion and to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. This was a perfect example of community partnership between the partnership, the city of St. Charles and the River Corridor Foundation. City staff - and budget - were instrumental in the success of this project, which already has been proven through no less than three flood-stage events.

"The first four projects on this list all were named as finalists in their respective categories," Richards points out. "And the success of each of these projects is based on the considerable time, effort and talents of scores of volunteers."

On Thursday, Nov. 13, all finalist projects and programs from communities throughout Illinois will be recognized during an awards luncheon in Decatur. It will be the concluding highlight of the Illinois Main Street's annual conference. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will personally present the awards to the winning communities.

In the past four years, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership - and the combined efforts of its committees, volunteers and member businesses - has been recognized with 13 "Best Of -" Awards for Excellence."

"It's always great to receive such recognition and awards," Richards admits, "but it's even more gratifying to know that such awards are made possible by the literally hundreds of people who continue to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our downtown district. And special thanks are due to Mayor DeWitte, City Administrator Brian Townsend, city staff and members of the city council for their continued support of and participation in the downtown partnership. The city plays a huge role in nearly everything we do, and we greatly appreciate their support."

For information about membership or volunteer opportunities, visit dtown.org, or call (630) 513-5386.