What an incredible night for Aurora, with a spotlight on Downtown!
Several board members of Aurora Downtown Project attended a wonderful evening at the annual Aurora Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Saturday February 28th. This event offers the opportunity to celebrate leadership, service, and dedication in our community.
Board President Paul Haine was joined by board members Ashley Kennedy, Diane Warth, Lisa Boyer, Peggy Crownover, Caleb Carpenter and our City Liaison: City Manager Carrie Howlett . As a Chamber member, we attended to celebrate the great work the Chamber does to support businesses in our community and also to thank Aurora Area Community Foundation for their generous grant award. We were also delighted to see awards given to two of our board members and a couple of businesses in the Downtown.
Michael Parbury received the All Roads Lead Home Award. His decision to return to his hometown to start Winston’s in downtown Aurora has been a huge addition to our community. He is a champion of all things Aurora and through his restaurant celebrates our history and heritage.
Rebecca Haine accepted the Community Impact Award on behalf of The Pregnancy Care Center, which is an organization that meets an important need in not only our town but in the surrounding area.
We celebrated with the other award winners, we are thankful that many of the people and organizations that were recognized also contribute to our success.
We were delighted to celebrate Jack Muench, who was named Rotarian of the Year, and was also recognized for his hard work and dedication as a volunteer with many organizations. Jack received the Chamber’s Community Service Award. We are thankful for his involvement in our work, as a founding member of our Economic Vitality Committee.
We were happy to congratulate two of our Downtown Board members:
Lisa Boyer – Recipient of the Stepping Up to the Plate Award
Lisa is always willing to jump in, lead, and make things happen! She’s helped spearhead our downtown clean up days, downtown farmers market and most recently our chocolate stroll. Her dedication and commitment truly make a difference.
Carrie Howlett – Recipient of the Lloyd R. Ellis Award
Carrie exemplifies commitment, integrity, and lasting impact in our community. Her leadership and passion for our downtown means the world to us and we wouldn’t be where we are today without her continued support!
We’re so grateful for the time, heart, and passion they pour into making our downtown stronger every day!
We are beyond grateful to the Aurora Area Community Foundation for awarding us a grant to support our new downtown pocket park — Madison Square Park!
This generous investment means so much to our organization and our community. Because of their support, we’re one step closer to bringing Madison Square Park to life — a welcoming green space in the heart of downtown where families can gather, friends can connect, and our community can grow together.
Grants like this don’t just fund projects — they help build momentum, pride, and possibility for Aurora’s future. We can’t wait to share more updates as Madison Square Park begins to take shape.
Thanks to Shannon Walker and the Banquet Committee for putting together another great event to celebrate the great things and people who make our community a better place.