Downtown Denver partnership names new board chairs, goals

The Downtown Denver Partnership announced new leadership and announced its priorities for the coming year at the 57th annual meeting today, Tuesday, at the Hyatt Regency at Colorado Convention Center.  Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper addressed the crowd of nearly 800 people, a record attendance.

Cole Finegan, managing partner of Hogan Lovells, was announced as the new Downtown Denver Partnership board chairman, and Elbra Wedgeworth, chief government and community relations Officer for Denver Health, was named chairwoman-elect.  David Kenney,pPresident of The Kenney Group, is the new board chairman for Downtown Denver Inc., and Joe Vostrejs, chief operating Officer for Larimer Associates, is the new board chairman for Denver Civic Ventures.

Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, spoke about the Partnership’s goals and vision for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

“For 57 years, the Downtown Denver Partnership has roshe run successfully worked to create a premier public realm and to create a strong sense of community in downtown,” Door said.  “Our vision for downtown is one of a world class city. The six core priorities we have established for this year will help move us closer to that reality.”

The core priorities and major initiatives outlined by Door are:

* Growing the downtown technology base by launching Denver Start-Up Week, October 22-26, to inspire entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources they need to be successful.

* Keeping downtown clean and safe by expanding the off-duty police officer program, and advocating for more transitional housing and a 24-hour shelter to address social service needs.

* Leveraging downtown urban parks and spaces by developing a comprehensive work plan and strategy centered on downtown parks and urban spaces, offering more than 225 days of events in Skyline Park this year including the return of the Southwest Airlines Skating Rink, concerts, movies and a new urban market.

* Redeveloping the 16th Street Mall by pursuing $65 million in public/private funding to restore the Mall, and by launching a new and dramatic lighting program on the facades of the historic buildings along the Mall.

* Building out Arapahoe Square by seeking developers and property owners to work together on projects that will launch first-stage development in Arapahoe Square, Denver’s next new neighborhood.

* Attracting new retailers by expanding and diversifying downtown retail by focusing on attracting local, regional and first-to-market retailers, and by launching a marketing campaign to draw consumers to downtown.

DDP recognized several board members and organizations that made a significant contribution to downtown Denver in the last year, including:

• Honorary Partner Award: Jerry Glick, Managing Partner of Columbia Group.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Trinidad Rodriguez, Senior Vice President of George K. Baum & Company.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Anne Hayes, Vice President of Westfield Company.
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Joe Vostrejs, Chief Operating Officer of Larimer Associates.
• Volunteer of the Year Award:  The Distinguished Clown Brigade; a 27 member “secret society” of regional corporate and community leaders that entertain as clowns during the 9News Parade of Lights and raise money for the annual event.
• President’s Award: Downtown Denver Businesses Improvement District Property Owners for renewing the BID’s authority for another 10 years of funding to improve and maintain downtown Denver’s physical and business environment.

For more information, visit www.downtowndenver.com.