New York, Jan. 21, 2009 - The New York City Department of Small Business Services is calling for the nominations of individuals, small businesses and community organizations for the 2009 Neighborhood Achievement Awards. New Yorkers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, business improvement districts, local development corporations, merchants associations and other neighborhood associations are encouraged to apply and/or nominate others for awards in seven categories.

The New York City Neighborhood Achievement Awards, established in 2002, honor organizations, businesses and individuals that have demonstrated excellence in enhancing New York City neighborhoods by fostering economic opportunity.

“The Neighborhood Achievement Awards recognize outstanding individuals, businesses and groups who share our commitment to building neighborhoods, creating jobs and opening opportunities for New Yorkers,” said SBS Commissioner Robert Walsh. “I encourage New Yorkers to nominate those who are making a difference in their communities.”

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

The Development Award honors a business or organization that has completed a new real-estate development or re-adaptive use project that has delivered tangible benefits for the neighborhood, such as greater employment opportunities and economic or cultural activity. In 2008, this award was presented to Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI).

The Partnership Award honors a joint endeavor between businesses, or civic, commercial, or development organizations, whose partnership has brought new benefit and services to the community. Examples include local hiring programs, business/education partnerships, cultural events, the rehabilitation of a park or public space, or a unique community outreach effort. In 2008, one of two Partnership Awards was presented to the four world-class institutions that make up the Four Bronx Institutions Alliance (FBIA) – Fordham University, Montefiore Medical Center, the New York Botanical Garden and the Wildlife Conservation Society. The other award was presented to The Queens Start UP! Business Plan Competition.

The Workforce Innovation Award honors an organization or business that, through pioneering a creative and effective approach to workforce development (e.g. training programs, recruitment and hiring), has developed a model that has enhanced their community and provided a model for others to emulate. In 2008, one of two Workforce Innovation Awards was presented to Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) and the other was presented to Grant Associates, which provides business services to more than 200 businesses per month at the Queens NYC Business Solutions Center.

The Small Business of the Year Award honors an entrepreneur whose business has significantly improved its neighborhood or demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through offering new or enhanced products and services, generating new activity on a commercial strip, attracting new businesses to the area, or providing exceptional employment opportunities. In 2008, one of the two Small Business of the Year Awards was presented to Beacon Paint & Hardware, a family-owned and operated neighborhood hardware store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that has been in operation for more than 100 years. The other award was presented to K-Dog & Dunebuggy, a family-owned coffee shop and café in the Prospect Lefferts Garden neighborhood in Brooklyn.

The M/WBE Advocate of the Year Award honors an individual, business, or organization whose leadership within the M/WBE community has encouraged entrepreneurship among other women and minorities and whose success has strengthened New York City’s small business landscape. In 2008, this award was presented to the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, which has been a long-time advocate of New York City’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program.

The Placemaking Award honors an individual or organization that has completed a project which increased the visibility, stature, and overall identity of a neighborhood, resulting in greater visitation and economic activity. Examples include: capital improvements, special events, promotional campaigns, or other unique efforts that have attracted significant attention and participation. IN 2008, this award was presented to the Lower East Side Business Improvement District’s L.E.S. is More. Explore. Campaign. The campaign is successfully attracting New York City residents and tourists to the Lower East Side of Manhattan by celebrating both the old and new elements of a neighborhood that is undergoing change.

The Leadership Award honors an individual or organization who has demonstrated outstanding leadership over the course of their career in advancing the development or overall economic welfare of a New York City neighborhood. Candidates may be from the business or civic community, and must demonstrate success at bringing together different stakeholders. In 2008, this award was presented to Heyward Davenport, who has been a life-long leader and consensus builder in New York City, advocating on behalf of minority- and women-owned businesses and vibrant, healthy neighborhoods.

Norman Buchbinder Neighborhood Beautification Award recognizes an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to highlighting and enhancing the look and feel of a neighborhood. The award is presented in memory of Norman Buchbinder, a co-founder of the Union Square Partnership, the city’s first Business Improvement District, and founder of the Village Alliance BID. In 2008, this award was presented to the Floating Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach, a large public swimming pool on a barge in New York Harbor, just south of the Brooklyn Bridge.

To make a nomination visit www. nyc.gov/sbs/awards.  Application can also be mailed to: Neighborhood Achievement Awards, 7^th Floor, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 6th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.