DWA Presents Awards, Reviews Year’s Biggest Accomplishments During Annual Meeting

4/29/2013

By MARY BETH VERSACI

WHEATON – The Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA) honored its members with a series of awards and acknowledged the accomplishments of this past year at its annual meeting April 24, while looking ahead to what the downtown has planned for 2013-14.

Connie Bailey of Community Bank Wheaton/Glen Ellyn, who served as the association’s Board of Directors president from 2012-13, discussed the new businesses the downtown area welcomed during her term and the empty storefronts that will soon be filled under new President Jim Mathieson.

Bricks, Strand Fitness, Sapp Violins, Nata Impressions, Wheaton Chiropractic Spine and Joint Center, Frocks ‘n Frills and Prairie Path Outfitters all joined the downtown Wheaton business community in 2012-13, according to a presentation shown at the annual meeting.

Businesses that will be opening soon include Namaste Salon, Home Again Consignment Shop, Bella Roba, Bella Flora Mia, Wheaton 121 and Mariano’s Fresh Market.

The past year also marked revived efforts to renovate and reopen the Wheaton Grand Theater and the city of Wheaton is in the midst of working with consultants to develop a strategic plan for downtown Wheaton.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of awards given to select downtown businesses. These included:

• Business of the Year Award – Ivy, 120 N. Hale St.

• Wheaton’s Choice Award – Suburban Music, 210 W. Front St. (chosen by the public via an online vote)

• Spirit of Wheaton Award – The Stork’s Cradle, 210 W. Wesley St.

• Volunteers of the Year Award – Julie Reinhardt and Bonnie Rae of The Stork’s Cradle, 210 W. Wesley St.

• Most Improved Facade Award – Namaste Salon of Wheaton, 109 N. Main St.
Each winning business received a crystal tower engraved with the name of the award and recipient.

The meeting was held at The Cellar Bistro Restaurant, 132 N. Hale St. Meeting attendees were given a lamppost lapel pin, which DWA Executive Director Paula Barrington encouraged them to wear when they’re promoting downtown Wheaton.

“We look to you to light the way for the organization, for the community at large,” Barrington said.