by Daily You Newswire

Heart of Tyler Inc. will celebrate all their achievements this year

Four Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards, a new headquarters, a new partnership with the City of Tyler and other achievements will be celebrated Thursday as Heart of Tyler Inc. holds its annual meeting with a 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. come-and-go reception.

A short program will begin at 7 p.m. At that time, current Board President Andy Bergfeld will give a brief report and then conduct election of board members. Nominees for second terms are: Andy Bergfeld, Bergfeld Realty; Cory Bowler, KLTV; Jim Evans, Mewbourne Oil, and Kay Latta, Henry and Peters.

New board nominees are: Mike Butler, Butler Architectural Group; Billy Bartush, Mabry Architects; Lisa Garrett, Woldert-Spence Manor; Debbie Johnson, East Texas Radio Group; Mary Kay Lust, Cole & Co., and Kamla Utz, Jakes Tyler.

Nominations will also be taken from the floor.

The theme of the meeting is “Downtown Tyler is HoT,” playing on the acronym of the name of Heart of Tyler and in recognition of the numerous honors earned by various downtown projects in the past year.

“This downtown has come so far since Heart of Tyler began in the 1980s,” said president-elect Ingrid Young. “Before we dig into the 2010 plan of work, we want to just take a moment to celebrate the successes of 2009, which include our new headquarters, the growing downtown arts movement, statewide recognition of our downtown programs and more,” Young concluded.

An important milestone will also be part of the program, Young said. It has been 20 years since Tyler was named a Texas Main Street Program community.

Young said the Heart of Tyler board hopes visitors will take the opportunity to explore the entire new facility at 110 W. Erwin, which houses not only Gallery Main Street, but offices for Heart of Tyler, a 501©3 organization, and its municipal partner, the City of Tyler Main Street Department.

“We have tremendous new facilities that have enabled us to expand our mission and accessibility,” Young said, “and we want to invite everyone to enjoy the creative atmosphere of our new headquarters.”

Among the evening’s highlights will be announcement of the winner of the Brick Award, an honor given to an individual or group that has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to Heart of Tyler and downtown revitalization.

Heart of Tyler’s newest set of volunteers, artists of the Downtown Tyler Arts Coalition, have provided original works of art to award as door prizes, Young said.

Those who want information should call (903) 593-6905 or go to www.heartoftyler.com. Young said the event is free and open to the public, but that RSVPs are encouraged.

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