|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Click
on the paper above to visit our
|
|||
|
- Article by Devin Crum -
|
|||
|
Thirty-nine
locally-owned businesses and organizations were recognized on Wednesday,
June 3, for their contributions to the well-being of Baltimore County's
traditional commercial districts. The Baltimore County Department of
Planning invited chambers of commerce and business associations to nominate
outstanding individuals, institutions and locally-owned businesses that
have made an impact in economic vitality, design, promotion, sustainability
and leadership. "Our local business districts and their retail entrepreneurs
add to the quality of life we enjoy," said Baltimore County Executive
Kevin Kamenetz. "These unique shops, restaurants and services are essential
to the communities they serve." The east side is home to seven of the
county's 17 commercial revitalization districts, which offer special
programs and services such as loans, grants and tax credits to help
small businesses and organizations located within them to improve their
economic vitality. And while no individual businesses from the eastern
districts were recognized, several community events, organizations and
institutions from this side of town did take home awards. Named as the
east side's "Best Advocates" were Parkville-Carney Business Association
President Jason Plotkin, along with the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation.
The Dundalk Chamber of Commerce took home the award for "Best Community
Institution" in Dundalk. And recognized with the "Outstanding Community
Event" award were Dundalk's Concerts in the Park, the Dundalk Heritage
Fair, Parkville's Spring Concert Series and the Overlea Community Tree
Lighting. The leadership of the Overlea Community Association (OCA)
was ecstatic to hear that their event, which took place on Dec. 13,
had won the award for best event. But they were quick to give the credit
where it was due. "The accolades go to Heather Lassahn of Lassahn Funeral
Homes for her outstanding leadership producing this event," said Carol
Stover, OCA's marketing and community relations director. County Councilwoman
Cathy Bevins - who represents Overlea - and OCA President Dennis Robinson
Sr. were on hand to present the award to Lassahn at the OCA meeting
on June 9. "Many, many thanks to Heather for her wonderful contribution
to Overlea," Stover commented. And she reminded everyone to mark their
calendars NOW for another great Tree Lighting on Dec. 12. "Keeping our
older commercial areas strong is a priority for Baltimore County," noted
Baltimore County Planning Director Andrea Van Arsdale. "We encourage
businesses and commercial property owners to work with our revitalization
representatives to access direct tax credits, architectural design services
to improve the exterior of buildings, loans to help implement improvements
and other technical assistance." For more information about the Baltimore
County Commercial Revitalization Program, visit www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/planning/ |
|||
