The Heart of Texas Gift Gallery and the Imagine the Possibilities Tour have been named finalists 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 Imagine the Possibilities Tour is a finalist in the Best Promotional Event category that recognizes excellence in creation and execution of downtown or commercial district promotional event, including festivals.  The other finalists in the category are Local History Day in Brenham, La Grange Uncorked and Lockhart’s Cowtown Sip, Stroll & ArtWalk.

The Heart of Texas Gift Gallery is a finalist in the Best Downtown Business category, which recognizes an exceptional downtown business that positively promotes the downtown or commercial district as a destination for locals and tourists alike, and actively participates in the revitalization efforts and supports downtown promotional events.  The other finalists in this category are The Owl Wine Bar & Home Goods Store in Elgin and WC Mercantile in Navasota.

Winners will be announced on November 6 at the Presidents Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the 2014 Texas Downtown Development and Revitalization Conference in Granbury. 

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.