Brunswick Downtown Association on Thursday recognized those whose work has improved both the downtown and the lives of local people.
Alisa Coffin, former owner of The Great Impasta, was recognized as the BDA’s Volunteer of the Year.
Coffin has served on the BDA’s board for four years, serving the last two as vice chairwoman. She has also served on the Maine Restaurant Association board and Tourism Commission.
In 2009, she worked with the Department of Environmental Protection to develop an environmental leadership program for restaurants. The Great Impasta, which Coffin sold in June, was awarded the only Green Certified restaurant in Maine in 2011.
“As a Brunswick business owner and engaged member of our local community, her focus has been just as impactful,” said BDA Chairwoman Dee Perry in a statement delivered during the BDA’s annual meeting.
Perry praised Coffin for her support of fellow downtown merchants and for the “countless hours” spent as a volunteer at BDA events and in the association’s office.
“It is her commitment to the community that made this an easy nomination and award for Volunteer of the Year,” said Perry.
Also on Thursday, Brunswick’s Hannaford was recognized as BDA’s Member of the Year.
In addition to monetary donations, said Perry, “Hannaford generously donates employee (team) hours as well as product and gift cards as they typically receive about 150 requests annually — and that is just the Brunswick store.”
Perry cited a number of organizations supported by Hannaford, including Mid- Coast Hunger Prevention’s Backpack Program, for which the supermarket’s employees “help to fill backpacks so that the schools are able to provide food to underprivileged children.”
Store manager Shawn Sutton and local district Director of Operations Bob Hatem accepted the award.
About 110 attended Thursday’s meeting at Bowdoin College’s Moulton Union. “We pretty much filled up the room,” said BDA Executive Director Debora King.
In her presentation, King highlighted the BDA’s accomplishments, partnerships and activities over the past year, including the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, bed races and the summer’s “Music on the Mall” series.
One event not returning this year is the annual Taste of Brunswick.
In an interview, King said the decision was made amicably after several meetings with local restaurants.
“It had its run, and we want to move onto something different,” King said.
About 15 vendors participated in the event held in June on the downtown Mall this year.
“We didn’t have the crowds as in previous years, and I’m not going to forcefeed the restaurants any event,” said King. “We’ve got to stay fresh and exciting.”
Funded by member donations, the BDA’s goal is to “develop and maintain a vital, hospitable and lively downtown” that serves as a “location for congregation, socializing and commerce and a source of pride for residents and neighbors,” according to BDA’s website. For more information, go to brunswickdowntown.org.
jswinconeck@timesrecord.com
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