Winners Announced For The 2020 Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards Program.  

Glee Emmite of Paris, Texas, was named Downtowner of the year for 2020 by the Texas Downtown Association. The Texas Downtown Association (TDA) sponsors the annual program to recognize outstanding projects, places, and Texas people.

Downtowner of the Year recognizes a person who has shown an exemplary commitment to the downtown revitalization program through time given, resources and leadership. A panel of judges selects only ONE winner from all the nominations across the state of Texas. They submitted Glee nomination in July of 2020 during the TDA President’s awards nomination cycle. Several people gathered information to write a narrative highlighting Glee’s strength, volunteer efforts, contributions to Downtown Paris, and the impact on the community her revitalization efforts have made.

TDA was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit representing cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local organizations, small businesses, and individuals.

“Nominating Glee for this award was so important to us. She naturally gives us great things to brag about, says Cheri Bedford, Paris Main Street Project Coordinator. I think I can speak for everyone who knows Glee that she is well-deserving of this recognition. It positively impacts the downtown commercial district and inspires the community by the guidance, dedication, and determination represented in Glee Emmite.

To read about her accomplishments, see the Texas Downtown Facebook post from OCT 29th, recognizing her as Downtowner of the Year. 

They submitted 104 entries in ten different categories from communities across the state. They divided the entries into two categories – Design and Achievement – with separate expert professionals serving as judging panels for each group. 

Achievement Panel judges were: AJ Fawver, Verdunity; P.A. Geddie, County Line Magazine; Lynda Humble, Consultant; and Julie Kunkle, Open Sky Media, Inc. 

They announced the winners in a series of virtual live Facebook Videos release throughout the week of October 27 to kick-off the virtual 2020 Texas Downtown Conference scheduled November 9-12. For more information about the President’s Awards or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit www.texasdowntown.org. Applications for the 2021 awards program will open in the spring.