De Pere Community Award Winners Announced

Award winners in five categories were named at the Mardi Gras Community Ball, sponsored by the Main Street Program of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, February 13.

The awards, presented by Cheryl Detrick, President of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce, and City of De Pere Mayor Mike Walsh, were part of the celebration of the 20^th anniversary of De Pere’s Main Street Program.

Lance Abts of Landscape Artisans, 371 Main Avenue, won the Business Structure Renovation Award. This award is given to the Abts for their renovation of the former Heindel Kimmel building to make it into a showcase for landscape architecture and construction.  Renovation projects were judged on design quality, creativity, proper restoration techniques and attention to maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

The award for Personal Residence Renovation was given to Michael and Mary Katherine Matharani for adding a carriage house to match the design of their 120-year old home at 721 N. Broadway in De Pere. This award was given to the Matharani’s,  a Main Street district residence owner, who received the award because of their outstanding renovation to their building. The award was judged on design quality, creativity, proper restoration techniques and attention to maintaining the historic integrity of the building. The architect for the project was Marc Brummel and Contractor was Pat Drury Designs Custom Homes.

Jerry Landwehr of Scenic View Nursery was awarded the Community Service Award for his years of contributions to the beautification of De Pere. The award honors Landwehr for his outstanding dedication, service and commitment to the mission and vision of the Main Street De Pere program. Said Sue Smullen of De Pere’s Beautification Program, “Always working quietly and without recognition or pay for his wonderful talent, he gives back to the city he grew up in and loves, with beautifully designed bed and green space.”

The New Business award was given to Jim and Julie Constine, owners of The Vault of De Pere honoring them for their outstanding accomplishments during their first year of operation, as well as their dedication, service and commitment to the mission and vision of Main Street De Pere program. “Reopening this landmark location in the east historic district of downtown, the Constines have become an immediate part of the community and fulfill the parameters of this award. In addition to taking every opportunity to become involved, the Constines have given back graciously in valuable ways with great energy and commitment”, commented Detrick.

The De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Mary Van Vonderen as a member of the Chamber who has gone above and beyond the norm in sharing her time, talents, resources, and through her enthusiasm and dedication has set an example for future Chamber volunteers. Van Vonderen, Marketing Manager from MEGTEC Systems, “has stood front and center in her commitment to the branding of the Chamber and has worked  tirelessly on not only the new website but now the redesign of the home page, as well as all of our marketing materials”, commented Detrick. “She has worked long, late hours, nights & weekends on the endless details of marketing that are an absolute necessity for both the organization and its events.  Mary gives of her time, talents, expertise, sense of humor and heart.  We are lucky to have her and we know it!”

2010 National Preservation Awards

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting nominations for the 2010 National Preservation Awards. The coveted annual awards recognize singular success in preserving, rehabilitating, restoring or interpreting America’s architectural and cultural heritage. Winners will be announced at the 2010 National Preservation Conference in Austin, Texas, which will run from October 27-30.

Individuals who have been involved in an outstanding preservation project completed in the past three years, or those who know of a corporation, nonprofit organization, public agency, or individual who has helped save a part of America’s local or national heritage, are encouraged to submit a nomination.

“The National Preservation Awards recognize outstanding people and projects in the field of historic preservation from all across the country,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Through their tireless efforts, the Award winners have helped to preserve, protect and enhance places that matter, ensuring that America’s stories continue to be told for generations to come.”

The National Preservation Awards are annually bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies, craftsmen and volunteers whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation.

Nominations for all awards must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

Download the nomination form at http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/awards/

Since 1971, National Preservation Awards have gone to a wide range of deserving preservation projects and leaders, including the Portland Museum of Art, Maine; Hawaii Theatre Center, Honolulu, Hi; Cornerstones Community Partnerships, New Mexico; Ellis Island, N.Y.; the Old Post Office and Union Station, Washington, DC; America’s oldest McDonald’s, Downey, Calif.; the Gold Dome Bank, Oklahoma City, Okla; the Henry Ford’s Rosa Parks Bus, Dearborn, Mich.; the History Channel; the Governors Island Partnership, N.Y.; The Michigan Historic Preservation Network; Mrs. Laura W. Bush; Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino; and the late Sen. John Chafee (R-RI).

Visit http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/awards/ to view images and descriptions of the 2009 winners.

Main Street De Pere Request Nominations for Community Awards

Awards to be announced at Mardi Gras Community Ball – the 20^th Anniversary Celebration of Main Street De Pere

Main Street De Pere, a non-profit program of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce calls for nominations for the 2009 Community Awards with winners to be announced at the Main Street Signature event, the Mardi Gras Community Ball scheduled for Saturday, February 13 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Swan Club in De Pere. Tickets are on sale now. Costume dress is invited, but not required for this black tie optional event.

The Main Street De Pere Community Awards program, sponsored by long time De Pere business and Main Street supporter Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, will recognize the Business structure building Renovation, Personal residence renovation, New business, and the Community Service Award for 2009.    Nominations for these categories are currently being accepted.  The nomination form can be found at HERE or by contacting Mark Hubert at 920-338-0000 or mhubert@deperechamber.org.

Business Structure Renovation Award: This award is given to the downtown building or business owner who has completed outstanding renovation to their building. Renovation projects were judged on design quality, creativity, proper restoration techniques and attention to maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

Personal Residence Renovation: This award is given to the downtown residence owner who has completed outstanding renovation to their building. Renovation projects were judged on design quality, creativity, proper restoration techniques and attention to maintaining the historic integrity of the building.

Community Service Award: This award honors an individual, group, business or organization for their outstanding dedication, service and commitment to the mission and vision of the Main Street De Pere program.

New Business: This awards honors a new business opened in the Main Street De Pere program area for their outstanding accomplishments during their first year of operation as well as their dedication, service and commitment to the mission and vision of Main Street De Pere program.

Tickets are still available: prices are $50.00 per person and $400.00 for a corporate-sponsored table seating for eight people. Corporate table sponsors will receive an ad placement in the program in addition to table signage.  Proceeds support the community development and economic enhancement efforts of Main Street De Pere. For ticket information, contact Janice Jennings of the Chamber office by calling 338-0000, via email: jjennings@deperechamber.org or visit www.deperechamber.org.

The De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce is located inside the Chase Bank Building at 441 Main Avenue.  To learn more about the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce or Main Street De Pere call 920-338-0000, or visit www.deperechamber.org.

For more information, contact: Mark Hubert, Event Coordinator, mhubert@deperechamber.org, Phone: 920-338-0000