Experience Downtown Mount Vernon recognized businesses, nonprofits and individuals for their contributions to the community during its Annual Awards & Investor Reception on Jan. 23 at the Woodward Opera House.
The event celebrated honorees whose efforts “make Downtown Mount Vernon such a vibrant and welcoming place,” according to Experience Mount Vernon.
Among the recipients was John Nixon, who received the Walter J. Rudin Downtown Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Park National Bank.
“I wish to thank everyone involved with the presentation I received of The Walter J. Rudin Award,” Nixon said. “I am humbled and honored to have received this award from Experience Mount Vernon. We are blessed by many businesses and individuals in the Mount Vernon area who give of their talent, time and treasure to ensure that our community is second to none in which to live.”
Nixon added that families, friends, businesses and organizations with “a true sense of service to others make our community one of which we all can be truly proud.” Experience Mount Vernon noted Nixon was honored for “more than 50 years of steadfast service that has shaped the heart and culture of Downtown Mount Vernon.”
Nixon was also congratulated by the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium, which shared: “Congrats to MVAC staffer John Nixon, the Experience Mount Vernon Walter J. Rudin award winner!”
Other honorees included Happy Bean Coffee, named Small Business of the Year; Burrata Woodfired, recognized as Mid-Size Business of the Year; and CES Credit Union, awarded Large Business of the Year. Habitat for Humanity Knox County was honored as Non-Profit of the Year, while Knox County Land Bank received the Community Pride Beautification Award. Halle Krajenski was recognized as Spirit of Heritage Volunteer of the Year, and Lisa Lloyd received the inaugural Legacy Service Award for more than 11 years of dedication to Experience Mount Vernon.
A full list of winners is available on the organization’s website.
