Downtown Billings Alliance Media Release

On June 7, 2022 the Downtown Billings Alliance (DBA) announced the recipients of the 2nd annual Downtown Billings Spotlight Awards. Awards that were created in the spring of 2021 to create an opportunity to celebrate and honor those who actively contribute to Downtown Billings'  growth, diversity, vitality, and investment in our community. 

Nominations for these awards are generated by the general public and Downtown Billings businesses that belong to the membership arm of the DBA.

All award recipients will be recognized in-person at the Downtown Billings Spotlight Social, an event hosted by the DBA for downtown allies and stakeholders, including business owners, property owners, employees, and residents alike. The 2nd Annual Spotlight Social will once again be held at the North 29th Street Alleyway in downtown on Wednesday, June 8 from 11am to 1pm.

The Monte | Building Improvement Award: 

Awarded to a building/business owner with the most improved façade or strongest building development project within the last year.

Ignacio Barrón Viela | Community Builder Award: 

Awarded to an individual whose efforts positively affect how people feel about downtown Billings. The Community Builder Award recipient has facilitated the development of our downtown community, actively contributing to the growth, vitality, and overall appeal and betterment of downtown Billings. 

Jill & Shea Dawson - Thirsty Street Brewing Co. | Best Neighbor Award: 

Awarded to a downtown neighbor (business owner, property owner, employee, etc) who is always willing to offer a helping hand to fellow "downtowners".

Zest | Golden Broom Award: 

Awarded to a business that excels in maintaining an attractive and welcoming street presence.

Yarn Bar | New Business Spotlight Award: 

Awarded to a downtown business that has been in operation for less than three years and has demonstrated strong potential via growth, innovation, and leadership. Additionally, the business has demonstrated a culture of risk-taking and trailblazing and has positioned itself to achieve similar success in the future through new or innovative product or service, quality of merchandise/customer service, job creation, growth, potential, and market served.

The Fieldhouse | Downtown Gem Award: 

Awarded to a business who has been in operation for more than 10 years who still shines as a staple in downtown Billings due to their consistent commitment to innovation, community leadership, quality of merchandise/customer service, and job creation.

Included in the Spotlight Awards are the top Downtown volunteers from 2021

Cody Floyd | Volunteer of the Year: 

Awarded to the individual who volunteered at the most events in a year. Cody volunteered at five different events in 2021. He helped at all four Alive After 5s in the V.I.P section and also arrived bright and early at HarvestFest to assist with Vendor check-in. 

2021 TOP 4 VOLUNTEERS

• Cody Floyd - Community Member
• Ryan Lahey - Valley Credit Union
• Jennifer Webber - downtown Resident
• Judy Weddel - Community Member

These volunteers each lent a few hours of their time at over three of our Downtown events throughout the year. 

The DBA coordinates many of Downtown's large community events: St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celtic Fair, Purple 5K, Alive After 5, Downtown Summer Sounds, Strawberry Festival, HarvestFest, Trick or Treat, and Holiday parade. 

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