The Virginia Downtown Development Association has a call out for nominations for their 2009 Awards of Excellence.
Members and non-members are invited to submit entries for projects, programs or other historic downtown revitalization efforts completed after January 1, 2008. Entries must involve historic, traditional, pedestrian-oriented commercial districts (new town centers such as Blacksburg's First & Main are ineligible).
Categories are judged based upon population size (under 25,000; to 75,000 or over 75,000 residents) for organizational development; business development, promotion and marketing; commercial revitalization plans and streetscapes; and building development and improvements.
There is also a student entry award and the John Marlles Commitment Award for outstanding individuals who give their time and resources to redevelopment and revitalization.
Past blogs have talked about Christiansburg's downtown renovations and encouraged the town exploring resources available through organizations such as the VDDA, Virginia's Main Street program, the Department of Housing & Community Development, and the Department of Historic Resources.
The VDDA awards sponsors include VHDA, the City of Lynchburg and SunTrust Bank, among others.
Consider this a call for nominations -- what could Christiansburg win? Nominations are due by September 10.