AUGUST 25, 2021 ITHACA NY — Hardworking and dedicated downtown Ithaca business owners and building developments were in the spotlight Tuesday evening as the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) presented five awards during its Annual Awards Dinner at Ithaca Marriott on the Commons.
“So many people work hard every day to make downtown a successful and vibrant place. This ceremony is our opportunity to highlight and recognize a few people and businesses that support the shaping and growth downtown. The one common denominator for all of the awards recipients … a passion for downtown and the community,” says Gary Ferguson, executive director of the DIA.
Among the awardees were Shortstop Deli (Business of the Year), Comics for Collectors (Retail Excellence and Commitment to Downtown), and Hound and Mare (Emerging Business of the Year), Ithaca Marriott on the Commons (GO ITHACA Partner of the Year), and Harold’s Square (Development Project of the Year).
Shortstop Deli received its award for its special services to the community during the pandemic.
During the height of the pandemic, while many businesses were closed, owner Chuck Dong and his staff provided meals for first responders and front-line workers. In addition, Chuck was a regular attendee during the DIA’s business briefings and information sessions.
“For his dedication to the broader community, his love of downtown and Ithaca, and his business savvy and persistence were are thrilled to present Shortstop Deli and Chuck Dong with our 2021 Downtown Business of the Year award,” said DIA Board President Ashley Cake.
Another business, Comics for the Collectors, was also honored for its ongoing dedication to conducting business downtown.
Owner Tim Gray and his comic book store have been part of the downtown landscape for 40 years. In 2018, Gray’s Aurora Street location faced closure after the building was marked for redevelopment. Gray had to relocate his shop. Instead of leaving downtown, Gray selected a spot on West State Street for the specialty shop’s new home.
“For his many years of downtown operation, for his willingness to start anew, and for his serving as a champion of downtown, we honor Tim Gray and Comics for Collectors with an award for Retail Excellence and Commitment of Downtown,” said Cake.
In 2020, Downtown became home to at least a dozen new businesses. Among them was a new eatery — this year’s Emerging Business of the Year, Hound and Mare.
“Emerging businesses represent all segments of our economy — including technology, service, retail, and food and beverage. We choose to recognize Hound and Mare’s food and beverage business for its excellence and growth in 2020 and 2021 — even in the face of the pandemic. Co-owners and sisters Christine and Tam Lam have taken a dream and a passion and turned it into a successful and highly regarded place for baked goods, drinks, food, and atmosphere,” said Mayor Svante Myrick.
New building development is also key to downtown growth. With that sentiment, Harold’s Square, downtown’s latest mixed-use development, received the Economic Development Project of the Year award during the ceremony.
Harold’s Square, a 170,000 square foot structure with housing and office and retail space, represents a $50 million investment in the heart of downtown.
“This stately building opened during the pandemic and will be an essential community landmark for decades to come. For its important contribution to downtown Ithaca and the entire community, we are honored to recognize this project, said Mayor Myrick.
In addition, the DIA’s GO ITHACA transportation demand management program presented an award honoring Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons as GO ITHACA Partner of the Year.
“Ithaca Marriott stepped forward early and fervently to participate in this program. Hotel General Manager Cathy Hart seized on the idea of helping front-line staff find more cost-effective commute alternatives to using a single-occupant vehicle and parking in the garages. For its willingness to step forward as a pioneer for this new community program and for its ongoing commitment to finding alternative solutions, we are honored to provide Marriott with this award,” said Mayor Myrick.
The evening affair, supported by CFCU Federal Credit Union, Hilton Garden Inn, Ithaca Marriott, Ithaca Renting, and the DIA, also provided a series of TED-style talks.
Dr. Susan Salahshor, founding program director of Ithaca College’s Physician Assistant Program soon-to-be located downtown; Scott Vanderpool, general manager for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit; Gladys Brangman, founder and principal of the Business Leaders of Color, and the DIA’s Executive Director Gary Ferguson each gave short presentations about fulfilling community needs through their services.
For more information about Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Dinner and other Downtown Ithaca events, visit downtownithaca.com or email info@downtownithaca.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Darlene M. Wilber, communications and grants development director
Downtown Ithaca Alliance
darlene@downtownithaca.com
Top images (left to right):
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board of Directors President Ashley Cake, left, City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick and Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson present a Business of the Year award to Shortstop Deli owner Chuck Dong during Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Awards Dinner.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board of Directors President Ashley Cake, left, City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, and Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson present an Emerging Business of the Year Award to Hound and Mare’s co-owner Christina Lam.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board of Directors President Ashley Cake, left, City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick and Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson present Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons General Manager Cathy Hart with a GO ITHACA Partner of the Year award during Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Awards Dinner.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board of Directors President Ashley Cake announces Comics for Collectors for the Retail Excellence and Commitment to Downtown award during Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Dinner. Comics for Collectors owner Tim Gray was unable to attend the ceremony.
Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board of Directors President Ashley Cake, left, City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, and Downtown Ithaca Alliance Executive Director Gary Ferguson present Enid and Peter Littman with Harold’s Square’s Economic Development Project of the Year award during Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Awards Dinner.
Scott Vanderpool, general manager for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit; DIA’s Executive Director Gary Ferguson; Gladys Brangman, founder and principal of the Business Leaders of Color; and Dr. Susan Salahshor, founding program director of Ithaca College’s Physician Assistant Program served at speakers during Downtown Ithaca’s Annual Dinner.
