Special events may focus on efforts that assist in organizational development, fundraising, retail development, or other efforts. Festivals may celebrate local history and culture. Promotions and Communications Entries should focus on programs that improved the image and vitality of downtown. Competitive projects include plans or strategies that use print, electronic media, or multi-media efforts to promote downtown. Business Recruitment and Retention Competitive entries should present successful marketing efforts and strategies that have recruited new businesses or improved retention in downtown.
Special emphasis is placed on recruiting new sectors of the economy such as information technology.
Entries that demonstrate the effective use of information technology or multi-media are encouraged. The programs or projects should represent the best in downtown leadership and management. This special award recognizes the work of a distinguished individual in the field of downtown revitalization or a person that has promoted downtown revitalization. Funding - a description of the sources and level of funding for the project. Participants - an outline of the project participants, both public and private, and their roles in the project.