Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting is a celebration of the announcements, people, projects, and places that have contributed to Downtown’s growth, diversity and overall vibrancy. Thank you to Community Bank for being the 2024 presenting sponsor. 

Each year, at our Annual Meeting, we honor businesses, organizations and individuals who have contributed to Downtown's growth, diversity and vitality with the Downtown Awards of Excellence. National Grid presents the 2024 Downtown Awards of Excellence.

Award Winners:

• Urban Innovation Award: The Urban Innovation Award is given for successful, trail-blazing activity in a previously undeveloped area or facet of Downtown Syracuse. Through her dynamic storefront on Bank Alley, Cjala Surratt has not only curated a space for Black history to shine through fashion, literature and art, but has also sparked a movement rejuvenating underutilized urban areas by activating Bank Alley. Black Citizens Brigade is not just a retail space; it's a hub for community engagement and cultural enrichment and embodies a legacy of Black entrepreneurship in the city. Cjala's establishment exemplifies of the resilience and creativity of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Heart of Downtown Award: The Heart of Downtown Award is given for efforts that positively affect people’s feelings about Downtown Syracuse. As the founding partner and managing member of Hotel Syracuse Restoration, LLC and Brine Wells Development, LLC, Ed Riley has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to restoring and renovating historic landmarks and creating spaces for our community to gather. His efforts led to the remarkable restoration of the iconic Hotel Syracuse, which reopened as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in 2016. Ed's dedication and passion for the preservation of our community’s rich history is truly inspiring. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of Hotel Syracuse this August, we are reminded of Ed's invaluable contributions to our community, and we look forward to celebrating his future endeavors.

• Perfect Partner Award: The Perfect Partner Award is given to individuals and organizations whose initiatives, advocacy and commitment positively impact Downtown Syracuse. Founded over 75 years ago, Famous Artists, also known as Broadway in Syracuse, annually presents nationally-touring Broadway shows at the historic Landmark Theatre along Downtown Syracuse’s main street. Throughout its theatrical season, Famous Artists regularly partners with Downtown businesses in creating special themed menus and limited-edition specials to promote visiting Broadway shows. This creates a one-of-a-kind experience for theatre-goers, extending their Downtown Syracuse visit and highlighting Downtown as a premier entertainment destination.