LONG BEACH, CA – (February 20, 2024) The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2023 Spirit of Downtown Awards. This prestigious accolade, the DLBA’s highest honor, recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced and positively shaped the Downtown Long Beach community.
Nominations are sought for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership, and innovation in contributing to the vitality and growth of Downtown Long Beach throughout the year 2023. The Spirit of Downtown Awards highlight the remarkable efforts of those who have made a lasting impact on the community.
Austin Metoyer, President and CEO of the DLBA, emphasized the importance of recognizing the remarkable contributions of individuals to Downtown Long Beach, stating, “As we continue to navigate challenges and opportunities, it is essential to honor the stellar individuals who shape our Downtown positively. Their dedication and innovative spirit are instrumental in driving our community forward.”
The Spirit of Downtown Awards were established in 2012 to posthumously recognize Long Beach community leaders Mark Bixby, Shaun Lumachi, Larry Allison and Bill Baker, all who embodied passion, dedication and inspirational leadership. Nominations for the 2023 Spirit of Downtown Awards can be submitted online here.
Recent past honorees have included Laurie Gray of The Pie Bar (‘18), Congressman Robert Garcia (‘21, then-mayor), Carole Sergy of Beautify Pine (‘22), Henry Walker of Farmers & Merchants Bank (‘22), and members of the East Village Arts District Community Watch Group (‘22) to name a few. Learn more about the 2022 Spirit of Downtown honorees here.
The selected honorees will be celebrated during the DLBA’s annual Celebrate Downtown event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Members of the community are encouraged to nominate individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and leadership in enhancing the vibrancy and inclusivity of Downtown Long Beach.
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About the Downtown Long Beach Alliance: DLBA is a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate, preserve and promote a healthy, safe, and prosperous Downtown for all. By balancing the interests of the residents, as well as businesses, the DLBA creates tangible progress by way of vested interest and solidified partnerships across local, municipal, and commercial lines. For additional information, visit www.downtownlongbeach.org, or follow on Facebook @downtownlongbeach, and on X (formerly Twitter) @dlba and Instagram @dlba.