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.
- GOLD: Doceo
- SILVER: Penn National Insurance, Fulton Bank, Harley Davidson Motor Co – York Vehicle Operations, Landmark Commercial Realty and The Yorktowne Hotel.
- AWARDS: Better York, Buchart Horn, Inc., Explore York, Pennsylvania American Water, Redevelopment Authority of the City of York, Shipley Energy.
Nominations are open June 1-19. Scroll down to the navy blue section of this webpage to cast your nomination of a business, individual, or organization making a difference in Downtown York!
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.
