The Kent Downtown Partnership held its first-ever Awards Ceremony at Kent Lutheran Church on Wednesday night, Nov. 7, handing out several awards to locals.

And wait – what? We also won an award?! Yep…I Love Kent/South King Media was honored to receive an award for Promotions/Marketing:

KDP President Mike Hanis kicked off the event, before Mark Albertson took the mic as Master of Ceremonies.

Here’s why KDP held this event:

“Kent Downtown Partnership annually recognizes businesses and people who have helped KDP make a difference in Downtown Kent,” organizers said. “Their contributions are a benefit to the entire community and have created a more vibrant and attractive downtown. There are many, many others who too have helped make a difference and we thank you for that! Tonight you will see who we were able to recognize this year. Together, you all are helping KDP make downtown what we want it to be. A place we can bring our family, friends, new businesses want to be here and our own businesses are thriving. Many thanks goes to our wonderful sponsors for tonight’s awards ceremony: Kelly Imaging, Fred & Nancy Satterstrom, Curran Law Firm, Hanis Irvine & Prothero, PLLC, Suzanne & Larry Cameron, Linda Stockham, Studio 37 Designs, Cater4You, Ed Muna Buds & Blooms and Kent Lutheran Church.”

Mayor Dana Ralph also spoke about the good work that the KDP does for the downtown district.

Here are the awards that were presented:

Design Awards presented by Design Chair Suzanne Cameron:

Best Large Remodel Project – MJR Development, Mike Raskin
Best Small Remodel Project – Burmese Church, Pastor Ezra Thang
Best Interior Remodel Project – Dogwood Cafe and Lounge, Vivian Knapp
Best Storefront Display – Moore Than Rocks, Elisa Moore
Best New Signage – DAWN, Kellie Rogers
Best Apartment Remodel – Titus Apartments, Deljuan Gibson

Promotions/Marketing Awards presented by Barb Smith:

I Love Kent, South King Media – Scott and Theresa Schaefer
Michelle Wilmot, City of Kent
Nancy Simpson, Kent Historian & Land Commissioner

Economic Vitalization Awards presented by Elizabeth Scharnhorst:

Greg Haffner – his work on the Morrill Bank restoration project
Best Retail – Seattle Children’s Bargain Boutique, Margaret McCaffrey
Best New Business – Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Seasonings & Spices, Reginald Robinson
Best Restaurant – Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Mark Handman
Best Brewery & Bistro – Airways Beer & Bistro, Dione Dittmar

Downtown Star Awards presented by Barb Smith:

City of Kent Parks & Recreations Department & Staff – Julie Parascondola, Director
Greg Bartol, Studio B Custom Design
Police Chief Rafael Padilla
Julia Lewis, Studio 37 Designs
Bill Ellis, City of Kent Economic and Community Development
Kelly Peterson, City of Kent Public Works & Team
Caitlin Cooper, Downtown Resident
Susan Bagrationoff, Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons
Tom Burkley, Clean Up Kent

“Special thanks to Mark Alberston for being our Master of Ceremonies tonight as well as our photographer.”

For more information about KDP and/or volunteer opportunities, please reach out to Barb Smith or Jodi Thormahlen, or any of the KDP Board Members.

“We will fit what you enjoy doing to your volunteer opportunity with us!”

https://www.downtownkentwa.com

[email protected]

(253) 813-6976

202 W. Gowe St, Suite A, Kent, 98032