Nominations for the 5th Annual Downtown Spotlight Awards came from the general public and downtown Billings businesses who belong to the membership arm of the DBA. These awards are an annual way for us to honor and celebrate those who contribute to downtown Billings’ growth, diversity, and vitality.
Music Villa
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.
Walkers
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.
Big Dipper Ice Cream, Billings
Golden Broom Award: Awarded to a business that excels in maintaining an attractive and welcoming street presence.
Shane DeLeon and Mary Serbe – Kirks Grocery
Good 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”.
Art House Cinema
Downtown Development Award: Awarded to a building/business owner with the most improved façade or strongest building development project in within the last 12 months. This award recognizes the notable Street level improvements made to their property at 109 N 30th St. enhancing the downtown pedestrian experience.
Brikotah Styles – Montana Brewing Co.
The ‘Cheers’ Award: Awarded to one of downtown’s countless service/hospitality industry workers who provide an excellent experience for those they help. This individual provides thoughtful customer service that makes a moment special, welcoming, and positive.
Susan Kennedy Sommerfeld – Kennedy Stained Glass
Ziggy Ziegler 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.
Andy Patten – Downtown Billings Partnership Board
Downtown Billings Board Member of the Year: In recognition of an individual who not only commits their time as a member of one of the four boards of the DBA, but goes above and beyond their role as a board member and gives additional time and resources to support the success of various Downtown projects and programs in 2024/2025.
Volunteer(s) of the Year: Awarded to the individual(s) who generously committed their time at the most downtown events in the last 12 months. Each of this year’s honorees volunteered at 7 Downtown Billings Signature events.
Rocky Mann
Deb Christensen
Reno Nichols
Harlee Morrison
We thank these recipients and all our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for the support they provide our Downtown Billings team throughout the year.