1st Fridays

win award

HARTFORD — The Town of Putnam’s First Fridays event was won a 2015 Award of Excellence from the Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC).

Delpha Very, the town’s economic and community development director, put the nomination in in January.

Putnam’s First Fridays  won an Award of Merit for Events & Programming, Award of Excellence for First Fridays (Downtown Putnam), to the Town of Putnam, Putnam Business Association, and the Putnam Arts Council.

The Connecticut Main Street Awards of Excellence were created in 2003 to recognize outstanding projects, individuals and partnerships in community efforts to bring traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts back to life, socially and economically. The Connecticut Main Street Awards annually celebrate and communicate the most successful and innovative efforts in Main Street revitalization in Connecticut. A jury comprised of industry-related professionals and CMSC staff judged the submissions on criteria that included innovation, replication, representation, partnerships utilized, and outcomes.

“Our downtowns and town centers represent what’s unique about Connecticut - combining historic charm and stalwart character with the modern amenities that will help us thrive into the future,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy ”I applaud the award winners for how they’re embracing that challenge - involving the community in the success of their downtowns through patronage of local businesses, acting as community leaders and building places for us to live, work and raise our families. The people behind these winning initiatives know that when we strive together, we thrive together - not just today, but for years to come.”

“Our members continue to impress us with how they support, encourage and implement new ideas from the ground up,” said CMSC President & CEO John Simone. “They’re constantly forming partnerships with new groups, working to sustain local merchants, and tirelessly promoting how wonderful our downtowns and Main Streets are. We’re proud of their efforts and excited to share their achievements with everyone else.”