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DCCP Annual Celebration Features Bobby Kramer “Spirit” Award

Category: Features

Chandler, Arizona – The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) hosted its Annual Celebration on Tuesday, May 18 in New Square. The ceremony gathered the Downtown Chandler business community, City of Chandler Mayor and Council, and partners from the City of Chandler for a sweet spin on 2020 with coffee and donuts.

Mayor Hartke presented the State of the Downtown, sharing information on the recent growth in Downtown Chandler and new development properties coming online in 2021/2022 such as DC Heights, a 157-unit multi-family housing complex. 

DCCP Executive Director, Mary Murphy-Bessler, shared highlights such as COVID safety precautions implemented by the Clean & Safe Team, community placemaking activations such Sugarland, and communication efforts in partnership with the City of Chandler regarding the 30-minute parking, On the Street Dining Program and Dine in the Park initiatives. 

The ceremony commenced with a special awards presentation, including a brand-new award titled the Bobby Kramer “Spirit” Award, in memoriam of the life and legacy of Kramer, Food & Beverage Director for the Brickyard Downtown and Hidden House, whose life was tragically lost in a wrong way driver accident. 

The award celebrates individuals and/or businesses that lift the “spirit” of the Chandler Community through acts of kindness.

“2020 was an extremely difficult time for all, including the small businesses in Downtown Chandler. The DCCP wanted to acknowledge the businesses who gave back to the Chandler community during the pandemic, donating food, coffee and supplies to those in need,” said Mary Murphy-Bessler, DCCP Executive Director. 

Fan favorite awards such as Downtown Champion, Best Creative Space, Best Live Venue and Downtown Destination were also presented. 

“The awards illustrate the fabric of what makes our downtown so special,” she added. “From live entertainment seven nights a week to the businesses who contribute to making the downtown a regional destination in the valley.” 

Bobby Kramer "Spirit" Award Winners
Bobby Kramer "Spirit" Award Winners

The full list of award winners are as follows:

Bobby Kramer “Spirit” Award

  • Mingle + Graze
  • Peixoto Coffee
  • The Local Chandler
  • Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant
  • The Perch Pub & Brewery
  • The Brickyard Downtown
  • The Sleepy Whale

Downtown Champion: John Owens, Downtown Redevelopment Specialist for the City of Chandler
An individual or company that contributes to the overall health and well-being of Downtown Chandler in the areas of economic development, health & safety, cleanliness, marketing, promotions and experience.

Best Creative Space: Presented to George Oliver for The Alexander
This award can be given to a new development, redevelopment, enhancement or activation display in the areas of:

  • architecture
  • landscaping/patio
  • mural/art 
  • activations 

Best Live Venue: The Stillery
This award goes to a Downtown Chandler establishment that provides live entertainment and serves as a great place to connect with people through a shared cultural experience.

Downtown Destination Award: The Stillery 
This award goes to a Downtown Chandler establishment that is a “great place to be” based on its unique experience and excellent offerings.

For more information on the Annual Celebration, please visit downtownchandler.org/annualawards or contact natasha@downtownchandler.org.