2008 NCR HACER Gala Awards & Winners

• HELPING HANDS: VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the volunteer that has contributed the most time and/or talent to the revitalization efforts of a NCR area.

Winner: Cecil Lara, Southtown Mainstreet Alliance (Southtown)

• ACCELERATED GROWTH: BEST REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Awarded to the redevelopment project in a NCR area that has the greatest private dollars invested, public funds leveraged (if any), number of jobs created, visual impact, and overall fit with the character of the corridor.

Winner: Charles Williams, Williams Barber College (EastTown @ Commerce)

• COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE: PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the organization that has partnered with a NCR organization and demonstrated the greatest commitment to assisting with the revitalization efforts of that area.

Winner: Sho Nakpodia, The Mighty Group, (EastTown @ Commerce)

• ENERGIZED INITIATIVE: BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Awarded to the business that submitted the winning proposal for a grant of $2,200. Grant funds were raised from the 2006 NCR HACER Gala Silent Auction, and will help a NCR business owner grow and improve his or her business.

Winner 1: Lara August, Robot Creative (Southtown)

Winner 2: Giovanni “John” J. Gagliano, Giovanni’s Pizzeria (Avenida Guadalupe Association)

• RECLAIMED PRIDE: BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Awarded to one business in a NCR area that has had the greatest impact on the revitalization efforts in a NCR district.

Winner: Jerry Torres, Taco Haven (Southtown)

• OVERALL SUCCESS - MAYOR’S BEST NCR AWARD
Awarded to the one target area that displayed the greatest creation of net new jobs, net new businesses, and value of private investment.

Winner: Southtown