2025 Downtown First Award Winners
Downtown Inc is pleased to announce the winners of the 25th Annual Downtown First Awards, held at Valencia Ballroom on the evening of Thursday, August 7, 2025. The winners from each category represent exceptional businesses, organizations, and individuals who have put Downtown York first, through their commitments of time, advocacy, and resources.
The event was made possible through the sponsorship of The Glatfelter Agency.
The 25th Annual Downtown First Awards winners celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations in eight categories:
Downtown Revitalization Award Presented by the Redevelopment Authority of York City
Fox Apartments: Fox Apartments opened in late 2024 in the historic Fox Bakery building located on N George St. With 43 studio and 1-bedroom apartments, adding much needed units to our housing in downtown York. Fox Apartments was made possible with York companies partnering together such as Royal Square Development & Construction, Kinsley Properties, Traditions Bank, Warehaus, TRUE Commercial Realty, and Yohn Properties.
Historically Edgy Destination Award Presented by Explore York
Timeline Arcade: In operation for almost a decade, Timeline Arcade has become a vibrant cornerstone of Downtown York, offering a nostalgic destination where children and adults alike can enjoy games, special curated events, and a sense of community. They actively participate in local happenings like First Friday, Give Local, and Small Business Saturday, while also hosting meet & greets, signings, and events with actors, comedians, and celebrities — drawing hundreds of visitors, like the 800 RSVPs for last year’s End of Summer ‘90s event. More than just an entertainment hub, Timeline is committed to preserving the character of Downtown York, even stepping in to help authorities protect the community from vandalism
Downtown Champion Award Presented by CGA Law Firm
Jerri Worley: Ms. Jerri Worley has played a key role in restoring and maintaining York’s historic Trolley Master Station on Continental Square, a project she undertook to honor a friend’s earlier work. A proud Downtown Dweller feature from a recent Downtown York Magazine, Jerri stays actively engaged with the city’s arts, culinary, and wellness scenes, supporting local artists, teaching meditation at House of Yoga, and frequenting favorite spots like Central Market, Prince Street Café, and Iron Horse, where she’s treated like family. You will probably see her dancing around downtown anytime you hear the music playing.
Flavors of Downtown Award Presented by ADU
Collusion Tap Works: Founded by Jared, Chuck, and Doug Barnes, Collusion Tap Works offers a modern tasting room with 24 taps pouring house-made beer and cider. With a 7-barrel brew house, pilot system, and an innovative barrel-aging and sour program, they release new creations weekly. Head Brewer Jared Barnes, a York native and award-winning brewer, brings global expertise to their ever-evolving lineup. Recently, Collusion celebrated brewing their 1,000th different beer style — a milestone reflecting their dedication to craft and creativity.
Cultural Catalyst Award Presented by Saxton & Stump
Ophelia Chambliss: Ophelia M. Chambliss is an accomplished artist, lecturer, designer, and muralist based in York, PA, known for her vibrant “realistic cubism” style that creates narrative-driven works with multiple perspectives. She has exhibited widely and completed numerous large-scale public art installations for schools, municipalities, and hospitals. Her recent focus on murals reflects her passion for community collaboration and public art’s impact. A former publishing industry executive, she continues to work in graphic design alongside her fine art practice. In 2023, she founded Ophelia’s Making Agency (OMA), a nonprofit supporting small, minority-owned, and creative businesses through professional development and commission-free studio spaces. OMA now operates three buildings in downtown York, helping to grow and strengthen the local arts community.
Collaborative Impact Award Presented by Buchart Horn, Inc
Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania: Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania, Inc. (F&N) was formed in 2008 with a vision of all neighbors living and thriving in healthy communities. F&N seeks innovative long-term solutions through collaborative relationships to create change by boldly applying best practices and innovative solutions to stubborn problems that hurt our communities and prevent opportunities. F&N’s partnerships with area homeless service providers including shelters, the York County Coalition on Homelessness, WellSpan Health, County departments, and many others have led to improved services to unsheltered neighbors since Coordinated Street Outreach began in 2020. Our collective goal is to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in York County.
Small Business, Big Impact Award Presented by Shipley Energy
Nasim & Co.: Recently celebrating their one year anniversary of their stand in Central Market, Nasim & Co offers rich, cream cheesecake mousse dessert cups in a variety of irresistible flavors. Beyond their vibrant market stand, they offer catering services including delivery and professional setup services. Their decadent dessert cups promise to make every occasion a little sweeter.
Appell Beautification Award Presented by Better York
Annalisa Gojmerac: Annalisa Gojmerac has made a lasting impact on Downtown York through her transformative work turning vacant lots into vibrant community gardens and her creative vision behind Downtown Inc’s artistic crosswalk project. These projects not only beautify York but also foster connection, pride, and a sense of place — a testament to Annalisa’s dedication to blending creativity, community, and care.
Downtown Inc also recognized three businesses and organizations within the city who have been in business for over 100 years.
- Arthur J. Glatfelter YMCA
- The Strand Theatre of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts
- The Yorktowne Hotel
“As we mark the 25th annual Downtown First Awards, it’s an honor to recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations who truly embody what it means to build a stronger downtown through collaboration,” says Sarah O’Brien, Director of Downtown Inc. “Downtown York’s progress is the result of many working together with shared purpose—and these awardees represent the very best of that collective spirit.”
Echoing these sentiments, President & CEO of the York County Economic Alliance, Kevin Schreiber shares, “From small businesses and entrepreneurs to long-tenured cornerstones of our community, this year’s awards celebrate the heart and soul of Downtown York, and York County. We are grateful for those who invest in York and call it home.”
In total, over 90 nominations were received across the eight categories. The winners for each category were selected from three finalists. Click here to read the full list of finalists.
