Archive: Business & Technology

A new, five-screen movie theater complex, an IT network design and implementation firm, an internet retailer of children’s and baby’s clothes who also has a storefront location, and two people who are responsible for the creation of five downtown Ithaca retail businesses are among the Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s 2009 Annual Award Recipients.

The DIA’s Annual Dinner and Ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, in the atrium of Center Ithaca at 171 The Commons, and featured a menu of entrees and appetizers from many of downtown Ithaca’s unique dining establishments.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance presents the awards to businesses, organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to downtown Ithaca through the success of their business, the establishment or growth of a new or existing project, their service and commitment to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and its goals and objectives, or their efforts on behalf of downtown as a civil service employee.


This Downtown Ithaca Alliance’s 2009 Annual Award Winners include:

2009 Downtown Economic Development Project of the Year, Cinemapolis. Cinemapolis, the nonprofit independent art movie house opened a new five-screen cinema project in June. To undertake this project, the Cinemapolis board and staff had to take a major leap forward, including mounting a major fundraising campaign. The result is a victory for downtown, with a state-of-the-art five-screen cinema house with stadium seating located on Green Street between Urban Outfitters and the Commons that is delivering hundreds of people to downtown each day.

2009 Downtown Retailers of the Year, Emma Lou and Abdul Razak Sheikh. The Sheikhs came to Ithaca in 1972 from New York City and never left. They originally opened House of Shalimar as a funky new boutique Collegetown. In 1973, they opened their first downtown store and never looked back. They participated in and weathered the creation of the Commons in 1975, eventually opening a total of 5 businesses; House of Shalimar, T-Shirts Expressions, Shalimar Ad-Specialties, Shalimar Bazaar, and most recently Ithacards, downtown’s newest card store. The Sheikhs have been involved in many downtown activities and programs, from the old Downtown Ithaca, Inc., to committees that are now part of the DIA.

2009 Downtown Emerging Business of the Year, Jillian’s Drawers. 　Mandi Meidlinger opened a small store on Cayuga Street in 2008 with little fanfare. But, the store, named after Mandi’s young daughter Jillian, was no ordinary one. Besides offering walk-in retail service, Jillian’s Drawers specializes in internet sales- lots of them. Its website contributes significantly to the business’ annual revenue, and Jillian’s Drawers employs people whose sole responsibility is to fulfill internet sales orders. The store has both expanded and added new employees. Jillian’s Drawers also offers an array of workshops and seminars throughout the year.

2009 Downtown Office Business of the Year, the law firm of Miller Mayer, LLP Miller Mayer has assisted downtown in several unique and special ways. Corporate counsel assistance is provided to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance by Miller Mayer partner Elena Flash. Elena has helped with our 501(c)3 certification and continues to be a source of information and advice. But the firm also exhibited a tremendous downtown spirit in its participation in both the 2008 2009 Office Worker Olympics. The firm created multiple teams to participate in the summer time event, challenging others to match their spirit and enthusiasm, demonstrating a unique blend of commitment to downtown, assistance to the DIA, and corporate élan.

2009 Downtown Emerging Office Business of the Year, Black Box Computer Consulting. Black Box Computer Consulting typifies the strength and potential of downtown’s office sector. It’s also an excellent example of the many employment opportunities available in downtown, as well as the vast array of services that can be found within it. Founded by company President John Guttridge in 2004, Black Box specializes in small business IT alignments and computing solutions. The company has grown over its life, moving from one downtown location to it current address at 306 East State Street. The firm now employs 15 people and owner John Guttridge is also active in many downtown affairs such as memberships on Boards of Directors, etc.

2009 Downtown Ithaca Co-Public Employees of the Year, Charlie Malone and Ron Smith. The success of downtown depends on the hard work and dedication of the many public servants who provide services and assistance to it throughout the year. Ron Smith and Charlie Malone are City of Ithaca Electricians. They regularly handle all the electrical issues for downtown and the entire City. For downtown, their service includes preparing for and supporting its major festivals, and working to keep the old and frail Commons electrical system patched together to support the tens of thousands of people who access it every year. Their contribution extends beyond this; they also provide help in installing banners, decorations and other infrastructure. Most important to downtown is their willingness to help whenever needed.

2009 Downtown Award of Thanks, Joseph Gaylord, DIA Board President, 2007-2010. Outgoing DIA Board President Joseph Gaylord has served as a board member for six years and as President of the DIA for three years. During his tenure as President, Joseph has been a constant presence at public meetings, ribbon cuttings, and other key downtown events. His dedication of time and wisdom has made the DIA a better organization and downtown a better place to live, work, create, and play.
 

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