Awards of Excellence
Norwich Community Development Corporation receives CT Main Street Center Award of Excellence
CMSC is the expert resource for developing and sustaining vibrant downtowns that fuel our state’s prosperity. Our mission is to assess, educate, convene, and advocate to develop and grow our traditional downtowns, village centers, and urban mixed-use neighborhoods. We provide education and training, resources and technical assistance, and function as the statewide champion for downtowns and Main Streets of all sizes.
CT Main Street Center Announces 2023 Awards of Excellence Winners
NEW “DOWNTOWN HERO” AWARD HONORS LATE REP. QUENTIN WILLIAMS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JUNE 1, 2023
(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Main Street Center is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Awards of Excellence. The six awards recognize communities and individuals for their outstanding contributions to downtown vibrancy. Three of the awards honor CMSC member communities for their efforts to spur local vibrancy, while another two recognize state officials for their leadership in effectuating positive change in Connecticut’s downtowns. This year CMSC is also unveiling a new award category named in honor of the late Representative Quentin “Q” Williams that celebrates his collaborative and tireless advocacy for Main Streets.
“We are thrilled to share the fantastic work happening every day in our downtowns across the state and to champion the individuals who have meaningful impact on Connecticut’s Main Streets,” said Michelle McCabe, CMSC Executive Director. “All of our award winners deserve to be in the spotlight for their efforts to add vitality and life to their downtowns. The cumulative effect is a constellation of lively and prosperous downtowns across the state that benefits all of us.”
Awards of Excellence
These awards honor CMSC members – the people, communities and organizations – whose exceptional efforts are contributing to thriving downtowns in Connecticut.
- Town of Berlin – Berlin is being recognized for their economic development efforts in the Kensington Village area. Utilizing CMSC’s Main Street approach, they leveraged investment in the $18 million mixed-use Steele Center to create a new village center, bringing small businesses, jobs, and vitality to the area.
- Norwich Community Development Corporation – NCDC is being recognized for the creation of a new mural series celebrating art, history and new beginnings, as well as the Parklet Program powered by Archatrak®, both of which are bolstering the downtown’s economic vibrancy while creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
- Thomaston Economic Development Commission – Thomaston EDC is a new member of CMSC and is being recognized for their enthusiastic efforts to revitalize their Main Street, notably creating an incremental plan to revitalize their downtown through the collaborative efforts of the EDC and several local organizations.
The Awards of Excellence were created in 2003 to recognize outstanding projects, individuals and partnerships in community efforts to bring traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts back to life, socially and economically. This year’s awards will be presented at an awards celebration on June 20th in New Haven.
The Connecticut Economic Development Association is pleased to recognize the City of Norwich as a member of the CEDAS Best Practices Cohort for the 2023 application cycle.
A panel of reviewers studied the Norwich community’s submission of municipal policies, plans, and partnerships to identify the successful implementation of efficient and effective land use planning and economic development strategies. Due to the completeness of the application, the CEDAS Best Practices Committee is excited to recognize the City of Norwich as a Bronze Certified Community.
The City of Norwich will hold the CEDAS Best Practices accreditation for a period of three years with the option to reapply for an additional assessment and advanced certification in future cycles. The CEDAS Board of Directors applauds your staff’s success in implementing proven best practices strategies and appreciates your team’s hard work and dedication to completing the application process.