Monday, April 22, 2024
“Georgetown is thriving,” said Georgetown Main Street Executive Director Rachel Shank, who noted she’s been on the job for five years.
Shank welcomed members and guests to Georgetown Main Street’s annual meeting on April 3 at Fathom Gallery under Compass Coffee on Wisconsin Avenue and was enthusiastic about the town’s vibrancy — there were 5.4 visitors, up 5 percent, close to pre-pandemic levels.
As for ongoing programs, Shank said she is proud of Art All Night, the Cookie Tour as well as Coffee and Conversation.
Also, noted: Facade grants for Thomas Sweet, Village Art and GT players — and 19 new businesses.
Other grant recipients included Patisserie Poupon, Arcay Chocolates, Mason’s Lobster Rolls, Georgetown Tees, Georgetown Garden shop as well as Green Almond for new restaurant space.
Special recognition was paid to Anabella Arcay de Berti, award-winning artist of chocolates, and her husband, Dario Berti, CEO of Arcay Chocolates at 3211 O St. NW. Originally from Venezuela, they are now U.S. citizens, who arrived in Washington, D.C., as Berti recalled, “with two suitcases full of dreams six years ago.”
Last but definitely not least, Shank and GMS Board Chair Iesha Holy thanked retired board president Melanie Hayes for her “invaluable leadership” and said she is a “beacon of positivity.”
Founded in 2017, Georgetown Main Street is a designated DC Main Streets program from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development. GMS grew out of the Georgetown Business Association, which was created in 1976, as a non-profit membership organization committed to maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Georgetown.
Georgetown Main Street’s mission is to strengthen the vitality of Georgetown’s small businesses by representing, promoting, and supporting the Wisconsin Avenue commercial corridor and engaging residents, businesses, community organizations and visitors to build a vibrant Georgetown.