Downtown Tiffin shines in Heritage Ohio awards

TIFFIN — Three local finalists have been named in the upcoming Heritage Ohio annual awards. Downtown Tiffin, which has participated in Heritage Ohio's Main Street Program since 2015, submitted four nominations this year and three were chosen as finalists, said Donna Gross, Downtown Tiffin Main Street manager. The Best Foot Forward Project is a finalist in the Best Main Street Committee Project category, which recognizes a Main Street Program committee that has planned, implemented and completed a transformative project in its district. Tiffin's Best Foot Forward project was implemented by the design committee and sought to "encourage shopkeepers and building owners to bring out beauty in front areas," Gross said. The committee tasked secret shoppers with visiting different shops around town to determine which locations best implemented the beautification goal. MST Pub & Grub is a finalist for Main Street Business of the Year for its success with innovative business strategies, community engagement and support of downtown revitalization. Vickie Wilkins is a finalist for Main Street Volunteer of the Year for her contributions of time, energy and expertise. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Canton, as part of the Heritage Ohio Annual Conference. Gross said she was chosen this year to be a session presenter at the conference and will speak on collaboration. According to a press release, "Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio." Downtown Tiffin's annual Main Street Celebration and Downtown Summit is set for Sept. 10 at The Chandelier, Gross said. Local community awards will be presented during the event. The celebration runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and includes a cash bar, heavy hot hors d'oeuvres and a panel featuring Amy Reinhart, Dave Zak and Aaron Montz, she said. Gross praised the work and commitment of Downtown Tiffin. "We have the most creative volunteers," she said.