Businesses, organizations and individuals who make outstanding contributions to downtown Tacoma were recognized with the Annual New Tacoma Awards at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s quarterly City Center Luncheon held today. Dan Putnam of Pacific Plaza Development LLC and Lonnie Kyser of the Myers Group gave a presentation on the “fully-equipped” IGA grocery store scheduled to open in Pacific Plaza right after Labor Day this year. They also revealed they will be sourcing their groceries from local wholesale distributor SUPERVALU.

There was also an introduction to an addition to the New Tacoma Award family — The Public Places Award. This year the awards themselves were commissioned by the Chamber from Hilltop Artists who hand-crafted glass sculptures that were mounted on bases.

The 2011 New Tacoma Awards winners are:

— The Harmon Hub received the Schoenfeld Award that recognizes exemplary performance and pizzazz as a retailer;

— The Russell T. Joy Building (University of Washington Tacoma) received the Ghilarducci Award that recognizes successful new development, renovation or beautification;

— Theater District Association received the Union Station Award that recognizes leading organizations, companies or individuals that have built or sustained momentum for revitalization;

— Tammy Blount (Tacoma Regional Convention + Visitors Bureau) received the Popham Award that recognizes the individual who has done the most to build community spirit;

— Spaceworks Tacoma received the first Public Places Award that recognizes the best activation of a public park, open space or area within the public right-of-way.

Nominees of the New Tacoma Awards were recognized at the luncheon as well; for the Schoenfeld Award: 1022 South, The Harmon Tap room, The Mix; for the Ghilarducci Award: Spaceworks Tacoma and Ben Gilbert Park; for the Union Station Award: Bruce Kendall, Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, Go Local / Shift Happens; for the Popham Award: Mike Lonergan, KLAY Radio, Craig Perry, Dock Street Marina, Emily Reiter, Business Examiner, Mark Van Cooney, Hotel Murano and for the Public Places Award: The Projecting Drop and Frost Park Chalk Artists.

The Luncheon, held at the Courtyard by Marriot was sponsored by Absher Construction Company. The next City Center Luncheon is scheduled for Fri., July 15.

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Frost Park chalk artists among New Tacoma award nominees (03/23/11) — http://tacomadailyindex.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=88&cat=23&id=1946201&more=0