A group of 50 Downtown Bloomington Association members and friends gathered at The Bistro on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, to celebrate the holidays, and to give thanks and recognition to the hardworking volunteers who generously gave their time and talents to enhance the vibrancy of our historic city center in 2018.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Jean Anderson Award, given each year to an individual who goes above and beyond without hesitation to promote, support and enhance life downtown. The award is named for the late Jean Anderson, who is fondly remembered as a revitalization pioneer and is credited with spearheading the downtown renaissance movement during her years of service on the Bloomington City Council. Anderson served from 1989 until 1996.
The 2018 Jean Anderson Award was presented to Bill and Bev Edwards, owners of the Copy Shop.
Bill and Bev began their printing business in a small storefront on the 500 block of North Main Street back in 1964. Perhaps ahead of their time, Bill and Bev lived in the small apartment above their shop, and as the Downtown grew, so did their business. As the years flew by, Bill and Bev raised a family, and supported a community. The Edwards have been generous colleagues, neighbors, and community advocates, and their commitment to downtown has never faltered. When their business finally outgrew their space, Bill and Bev repurposed and gave new life to their current downtown location which had been many things – a car dealership, several nightclubs, and assorted businesses in between.
The DBA also awarded the 6th Annual Minnie Award to outstanding Farmers' Market Volunteer Bonnie Brown, for exemplary service. Ms. Brown has been a tireless contributor to the success of the Downtown Farmers' Market in 2018, donating more than 100 hours of her time, assisting with all aspects of market operations.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Tricia Stiller at 434-2294 or email at tstiller@cityblm.org.