Recognizing downtown’s Difference-Makers
Each year, Downtown Inc recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals who have made a difference in Downtown York through their commitments of time, advocacy and resources at the Downtown First Awards. Join us in acknowledging the dedication and hard work that make our downtown a better place. Let’s honor those who light up our city with their passion and commitment!
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, The Glatfelter Agency.
Event Details: August 13, 2026 at 6pm-8pm at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts (50 N. George St., York, PA 17401). Doors open at 5:30pm.Â
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINALISTS:
Appell Beautification Award sponsored by Better York:
119 S Duke Mural – For Grandma
Woof Bar Alley
Y Community Development Corporation – Lighting Project
Collaborative Impact Award presented by Buchart Horn, Inc.:
The Garden of Edy
The Glass Turtle Studio
The Grotto Community Center
Cultural Catalyst Award presented by Comcast:
Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center
Cultural Alliance of York County
Marketview Arts, York College of Pennsylvania
Downtown Champion Award presented by Pennsylvania American Water
Meredith Baker
Cindy Burkholder
Heidelberg United Church of ChristÂ
Downtown Revitalization Award presented by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of York
B.P.O.Elks Lodge #213
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Valley Youth HouseÂ
Flavors of Downtown Award presented by Yohn Property Management:
Manna Microbakery
Splitshift
The Original Men In the KitchenÂ
Historically Edgy Destination Award presented by Explore York:
LoveBug Illustrations
The Handsome Cab
Vision Solutions ARÂ
Small Business, Big Impact Award presented by Shipley Energy:
Indigo Bleu
LettUsKnow
Sweet Mama’s Mambo Sauce & CateringÂ
Celebrating over 100 Years in Business Award – WellSpan Health – York Hospital
- GOLD: Doceo Â
- SILVER: Penn National Insurance, Fulton Bank, Harley Davidson Motor Co – York Vehicle Operations, Landmark Commercial Realty, Royal Square Development & Construction, and The Yorktowne Hotel.
- Production Partner: Production Express
Downtown First Awards Eligibility & Selection Guidelines
To ensure a fair and transparent process, please review the following eligibility requirements and selection criteria before submitting a nomination:
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Nominees must live, work, own a business, operate an organization, or demonstrate a direct and measurable impact within the boundaries of the York Business Improvement District (BID).
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Current members of the York Business Improvement District Authority Board of Directors, as well as businesses, organizations, or entities they directly own, operate, or officially represent, are not eligible to receive a Downtown First Award during their term of service.
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Self-nominations are permitted unless otherwise noted within a specific award category.
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A nomination does not guarantee selection as a finalist or award recipient.
Selection Process:
Downtown First Award finalists and recipients are selected through a review process. Nominations are evaluated based on their demonstrated impact, innovation, leadership, community contribution, and alignment with the spirit of the award category.
To broaden recognition across Downtown York and celebrate emerging leaders and contributors, preference may be given to nominees who have not previously been recognized as Downtown First Award finalists or recipients. Past finalists and award winners remain eligible for nomination; however, the selection process prioritizes highlighting new individuals, businesses, organizations, and projects whenever possible.
Downtown Inc reserves the right to verify eligibility, request additional information, reassign nominations to a more appropriate category, or decline nominations that do not meet the established criteria.
