Dawn Hutchison-Weiss
Senior Program Officer
LISC Milwaukee
234 West Florida Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
414-930-1760 O, 608-215-3262 C

 

MILWAUKEE (March 1st) – Today, through March 14th, the public can learn about and vote for outstanding community projects in Milwaukee. The Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award is an online voting campaign highlighting twelve projects nominated and selected by a volunteer Selection Committee. Three People’s Choice Award winners will be announced at the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation on March 15th, at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino. Winners will receive $1,000 and the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award.

The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs) recognize individuals, organizations, and projects that enrich central city neighborhoods. The awards pay tribute to the people and organizations working tirelessly to make Milwaukee a great place to live, learn, work and grow.

The online voting campaign will run from March 1st to March 14th, and is hosted by the Neighborhood News Service at http://milwaukeenns.org/mandivote2018.  Each entry is featured with an article and video on the voting site.

“The goal of the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award is to educate the public about these inspiring people and projects working to improve the quality of life for Milwaukee residents,” said Dawn Hutchison-Weiss, Communications Director for Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).

Since 1999, LISC has hosted the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs). The MANDIs highlight the unsung heroes working hard to revitalize Milwaukee’s most distressed urban neighborhoods. This Oscar-style event is attended by 800 civic leaders including neighborhood residents, nonprofits, private sector leaders, and elected officials. The MANDIs have grown into the premier event for the community development world, and it tells the much-needed story of what’s positive in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. The MANDI Selection Committee includes a panel of 40 volunteers.

Hosted by US Bank, the MANDIs will be held on Thursday, March 15th, at the Potawatomi Event Center. A cocktail hour will be held from 4:30-5:30pm followed by dinner and awards from 5:30-7:30pm. The evening will close with a Neighborhood Dessert Reception from 7:30-9pm.

MANDI 2018 Finalists 

 

The “Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award” recognizes a public space that helps build the community. Finalists include:

  • Fondy Park, City of Milwaukee
  • Riverwest 24 Hour Bike Race

The “BMO Harris Cornerstone Award” recognizes an organization for their commitment and effectiveness over time. Finalists include:

  • Artists Working in Education
  • Community Improvement Program Matching Grants Program, City of Milwaukee

The “Northern Trust Navigator Award” recognizes an individual for leadership and collaboration. Finalists include:

  • Mark Eppli, Professor, Center for Real Estate, Marquette University
  • Kalan Haywood, Sr., Real Estate Developer, The Haywood Group, LLC

The “PNC Bank Trail Blazer Award” recognizes an innovative approach to a community problem. Finalists include:

  • Layton Boulevard West Neighbors Neighborhood Block Projects Menu
  • Safe & Sound

The “State Farm Building Blocks Award” recognizes a real estate project that advances the community. Finalists include:

  • Pete’s Fruit Market, The Haywood Group, LLC
  • Mitchell Street Branch Library/Alexander Lofts, Gorman & Company

The “Chase Economic Development Award” recognizes a program that stimulates economic and business development. Finalists include:

  • Menomonee Valley Revitalization
  • Northwest Side Community Development Corporation
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