Recently, at our 2011 Annual Dinner and Recognition Evening we had the honor of presenting the HQBD Awards to some incredibly deserving individuals and businesses.

This year's Business of the Year is Expressions by Christine, owned by Christine Kaiser. Christine is a key volunteer in the district, this business owner goes above and beyond to help out wherever a helping hand is needed. I'd like to present to you a portion of one of the nomination forms.

"They are so helpful with ideas and are willing to go the extra mile to help you."

"She cares about her customers. She does phenomenal work and ensures her customers are satisfied."

"They are very community minded."

"Quincy needs more business owners like her."

Volunteer of the Year

Our Volunteer of the Year Award now bears Bob Mays' name. Bob was a founding board member who remained active on our board until his death in 2011, serving HQBD for more than 33 years. This year's recipient was Fran Cook for her work with Blues in the District. Fran was a creator of the Blues in the District concert series and continues to be a huge advocate for the Blues; securing sponsors, delivering magnets, and promoting this popular event.  

New Business of the Year

The New Business of the Year was presented to the Sweet Apricot Shop, owns by Sara Platt. The Sweet Apricot Shop opened with a bang. On a Saturday in September, they had over 150 people packed into the Maine Center lobby to attend a fashion show and see the new women's fashions that had just hit the district. The customers sure didn't stop on that Saturday; they have rapidly made this business a must-stop for professional women looking for the latest and greatest fashions, hand-made stationary and artisan jewelry. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and the owner is always available to help no matter what the project might be. 

Promotion Committee Award

The 2011 Promotion Committee Award was presented to Priority One Printing & Mailing. In addition to the downtown maps that the company produces, they took on a project in 2011 that went above and beyond. The Downtown Deals was a series of direct mail pieces that included specials and sales from several downtown businesses. These mailers started at 1000 customers and through requests that number has already grown to over 2500. The Downtown Deals brings thousands of customers to the district and highlights the great business that we have downtown, which is exactly what a promotion should do. 

Design Committee Award

This year's Award was presented to One: Restaurant & Bar. They took a vacant building and turned it into one of the hot spots in the community. Noi and Tenille Sonethongkham, the owners, worked with Greensmart Builders to transform the Belasco Theater from a shell of it's former self to a stylish restaurant with a big-city feel. In addition, the Sonethongkhams stayed true to the building by incorporating the balcony in the main room and keeping the original stage which has given One the opportunity to host many events since their opening. They kept the mezzanine level creating private party spaces and adding a special touch that makes their business unique. Another great aspect of the rehabilitation is that they have brought the entire building back to usable space, converting the second story to a corporate office for Simmetry Communications. it was a huge project and is truly another gem in downtown Quincy. 

Organization Committee Award

This year's award was presented to Nick Camberlango, the Assistant to the Mayor in Nauvoo, for his efforts with our Strategic Plan. This was an important project for our organization over the past year. It gave us the opportunity to get input from the community, think about where we wanted to go, and set some goals that will get us there. The process was not an easy one, and we could not have done it without assistance. When we started the planning our meetings, we knew we wanted someone to lead the community sessions who wasn’t already associated with HQBD. We needed someone who was impartial, professional, engaging, diplomatic and would keep people coming back to all the meetings. We asked a difficult job out of them. We wanted them to walk into a room full of strangers and lead them. Luckily, we knew just who to call. Nick Camberlango is the Assistant to the Mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois. Nick led our strategic planning sessions brilliantly, keeping us on track, on time and engaged in the conversation. The result of his efforts is a cohesive plan that our organization can now put into action.

Economic Development Committee Award

This year's award was presented to Quincy Preserves. Preserving our building stock is extremely important to our organization. So much so, that it’s right in our mission. A great way to ensure that we are preserving our downtown is by having thriving businesses occupying the buildings. One organization, in particular, has been helping to do both since the mid-1970s. It’s an organization that we have had the privilege to work with in the past. I am proud to say that we have strengthened this relationship over the past year and I am eager to see the new possibilities that will come from our formal partnership. Though their mission is preservation, they have helped a great deal of property owners and businesses through their façade program which can make the difference between a new business being able to afford the renovation that will open their doors, or a building remaining vacant. In fact, since 2005, they have invested over $178,000 into Quincy’s downtown.