FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2023
Media Contact:
Lisa Malo, Marketing Director
Downtown Worcester BID
WORCESTER, MA – The Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce the recipients of two awards that recognize outstanding contributions to the transformation and enrichment of our city center. The inaugural Downtown Visionary Award and Heart of Downtown Award celebrate individuals and groups who have shown passion for and commitment to the ongoing revitalization and inclusivity of Downtown Worcester.
Downtown Visionary Award Recognizes Transformative Leadership
The Downtown Visionary Award, a testament to vision, dedication, and investment in Downtown Worcester's renewal, is being awarded to Chip Norton of Franklin Realty Advisors. Norton's profound impact on the downtown is evident through his commitment to its revitalization, breathing new life into the area with a significant Downtown footprint at Mercantile Center and fostering an environment that attracts businesses and visitors alike.
BID Board Chair Julie Holstrom commends Norton, stating, “Chip has been a consummate development leader in Downtown Worcester and has played a pivotal role in transforming our city from his early days at Chestnut Place to the incredible development at Mercantile Center. At Mercantile, Chip has shown a true dedication to implementing the vision of a mixed-use development in the heart of our downtown that has brought such incredible investment and activity. We are lucky to have him as a partner in our community.”
“It’s quite exciting to be recognized for doing what I love, which is supporting the city of Worcester through the work we do at Franklin Realty Advisors,” says Norton. “I am extremely grateful for this honor and am excited to continue moving forward making Central Massachusetts a great place to live and do business.”
Norton also currently serves as Clerk of the Downtown Worcester BID Board.
Heart of Downtown Award Celebrates Inclusive Community Building
The Heart of Downtown Award recognizes individuals or groups who have poured their love, dedication, and commitment into creating a more inclusive and welcoming Downtown Worcester. The inaugural winners of this award are the members of the Pride Worcester Board: Katherine Aguilar, Lamar Brown-Noguera, David Conner, Ariana DelloStritto, Alford Green, and Marvin Nuñez.
Ariana DelloStritto says of this award, “We are honored to receive the Heart of Downtown Award from the Downtown Worcester BID. Pride Worcester is committed to creating spaces where everyone feels valued and embraced. This recognition is a celebration of our collective efforts to foster inclusivity within our community, both through the annual Pride Festival [which takes place in Downtown Worcester] and all our organization’s initiatives.”
Evelyn Darling, BID Executive Director, emphasizes the significance of both awards, stating, “These new awards highlight the crucial role that many individuals and groups each play in shaping the landscape of Downtown Worcester. The Downtown Worcester BID is proud to recognize and celebrate those who contribute to the vitality and inclusivity of our downtown. We are grateful for the commitment, partnership, investment, and energy that property owners like Chip Norton and community-led organizations like Pride Worcester bring to our neighborhood.”
The BID’s Nominating Committee unanimously endorsed both award winners, acknowledging their significant contributions to Downtown Worcester’s revitalization and vitality.
The awards will be presented during the Downtown Worcester BID’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the JMAC, located at 20 Franklin Street in Worcester, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the transformative efforts to make Downtown Worcester a thriving and welcoming place for all. The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend.
Photos will be available upon request.
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About Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District
Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to sustain momentum in the heart of Downtown Worcester. The result of a comprehensive community-based effort, the organization represents the owners of more than 100 properties and seeks to create a unique sense of place through enhanced investment and development, establishing and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming, and economically viable district for all.
