The Imagine the Possibilities Tour was named a winner of the 2014 Texas Downtown Association (TDA) Presidents Awards Program. Since 1998, the Awards Program has recognized more than 150 projects, events and people that make a difference in Texas downtowns. The categories are divided based on populations of over and under 50,000 inhabitants.
The Best Promotional Event category recognizes excellence in creation and execution of downtown or commercial district promotional event, including festivals. Judges said the Imagine the Possibilities Tour was a clear winner in the under 50,0000 category since it was such a unique event that offered not only information but also contributed to economic development efforts.
The Imagine the Possibilities Tour was hosted by the City of Nacogdoches Main Street and the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation in 2013. The event showcases available properties and provides assistance to prospective business owners. Plans are underway for a spring 2015 event sponsored by the Nacogdoches County Board of Realtors. “We have a lot happening downtown, and Imagine the Possibilities Tour is a great way to showcase what’s available downtown, and get people buzzing about the district,” said Main Street Director Sarah O’Brien.
The Heart of Texas Gift Gallery was a winner of the People’s Choice Awards in the Best Downtown Business category. Voting for the People’s Choice Awards took place on Facebook back in October.
Winners were announced on November 6 at the Presidents Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the 2014 Texas Downtown Development and Revitalization Conference in Granbury. Communications & Main Street Director Sarah O’Brien is completing her second term as President of the statewide association.
Judging for the awards took place on Friday, September 19, in Austin. The distinguished jury panel included the following representatives: Angela Castilleja, Keep Texas Beautiful; Nancy Glover, City of Temple CVB; Dick Ryan, former TDA Board Member; and Kendra Wright, Saffire Events.
The Texas Downtown Association, established in 1985, is an independent, statewide nonprofit organization comprised of over 430 members involved in downtown and commercial district revitalization projects. TDA provides resources to members through networking opportunities, marketing, education and advocacy to achieve community goals. To learn more, visit www.texasdowntown.org.
For further information contact:
Sarah O’Brien, City of Nacogdoches
936-559-2573
Catherine Sak, Texas Downtown Association
512-472-7832
