New Yorkers Invited to Nominate Local Individuals,Businesses and Organizations for 2008 Neighborhood Achievement Awards
Application Deadline is February 25, 2008

The New York City Department of Small Business Services is calling for the nominations of individuals, small businesses and community organizations for the 2008 Neighborhood Achievement Awards, to be hosted by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Commissioner Robert W. Walsh at Gracie Mansion in July. New Yorkers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, business improvement districts, local development corporations, merchants associations and other neighborhood associations are encouraged to apply and/or nominate others for awards in seven categories. 

“The Neighborhood Achievement Awards annually honor the individuals, businesses and groups who share our commitment to building neighborhoods, creating jobs, and opening opportunities for New Yorkers,” said Commissioner Walsh. “I encourage New Yorkers to nominate those who are making a difference in their communities.”

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

The Development Award honors a business or organization that has completed a new real-estate development or re-adaptive use project that has delivered tangible benefits for the neighborhood, such as greater employment opportunities and economic or cultural activity.

The Partnership Award honors a joint endeavor between businesses, or civic, commercial, or development organizations, whose partnership has brought new benefit and services to the community. Examples include local hiring programs, business/education partnerships, cultural events, the rehabilitation of a park or public space, or a unique community outreach effort.

The Workforce Innovation Award honors an organization or business that, through pioneering a creative and effective approach to workforce development (e.g. training programs, recruitment and hiring), has developed a model that has enhanced their community and provided a model for others to emulate.

The Small Business of the Year Award honors an entrepreneur whose business has significantly improved its neighborhood or demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through offering new or enhanced products and services, generating new activity on a commercial strip, attracting new businesses to the area, or providing exceptional employment opportunities.

The M/WBE Advocate of the Year Award honors an individual, business, or organization whose leadership within the M/WBE community has encouraged entrepreneurship among other women and minorities and whose success has strengthened New York City’s small business landscape.

The Placemaking Award honors an individual or organization that has completed a project which increased the visibility, stature, and overall identity of a neighborhood, resulting in greater visitation and economic activity. Examples include: capital improvements, special events, promotional campaigns, or other unique efforts that have attracted significant attention and participation.

The Leadership Award honors an individual or organization who has demonstrated outstanding leadership over the course of their career in advancing the development or overall economic welfare of a New York City neighborhood. Candidates may be from the business or civic community, and must demonstrate success at bringing together different stakeholders.

Norman Buchbinder Neighborhood Beautification Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to highlighting and enhancing the look and feel of a neighborhood.  The award is presented in memory of Norman Buchbinder, a co-founder of the Union Square Partnership, the city’s first Business Improvement District, and founder of the Village Alliance BID.

Please email awards@sbs.nyc.gov with any questions.