Downtown volunteers and community leaders celebrated during award ceremony
To view photos from the 2025 Annual Evening of Excellence event, click here.
LANSING, Mich. (August 8, 2025) - Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) celebrated a major milestone and the people fueling its revitalization during its annual Evening of Excellence event held Thursday, August 7, at La Fille Gallery. The evening honored the volunteers, businesses, partners, and neighbors helping to illuminate the path forward for Michigan’s Downtown.
This year’s theme, “Planting Seeds of Change: Together We Grow,” highlighted how collective efforts continue to transform Downtown Lansing into a more vibrant, resilient community. The celebration also marked DLI’s 15th anniversary as a Main Street organization, a recognition of DLI’s commitment to community-led placemaking, economic development and long-term revitalization efforts.
“Fifteen years as a Main Street organization is more than a milestone—it’s a testament to the great work of our community members and partners and the power of collaboration,” said Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director of DLI. “As we look to the future, we remain rooted in community and committed to planting the seeds of change as we continue to build Michigan’s Downtown together.”
In honor of the milestone, representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Lansing presented DLI with a commemorative award.
“For 15 years, DLI has been a great example of how local leadership, creative partnerships, and grassroots energy can fuel transformation in a downtown community,” said Laura Krizov, Manager of Michigan Main Street at MEDC. “Across Team Michigan, we recognize the central role our local communities play in making our state a more welcoming place for business and talent alike. We look forward to seeing what our partners like DLI continue to achieve through our support to make sure everyone knows they can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
The award winners of DLI’s 2025 Evening of Excellence celebration were as follows:
- Legacy Business Award: La Fille Gallery
- Best New Business Award: Sylvia Sudsery; All of the Above Hip Hop Academy
- Community Connector Award: Capital Area Transportation Authority
- Build Your Block Award: Grewal Hall
- Downtown Champion Award: Tony Byers
- Investor Award: MSU Federal Credit Union
- Artist Award: Cameron Warren
- Adopt-a-Spot Award: Spicer Group
- Business Development Award: Jesse Flores
- Organization Committee Award: Melissa Cole
- Promo Committee Award: Dana Kromer
- Design & Public Spaces Award: Kara Jueckstock
- Volunteer of the Year: Alan Woodbury
The 2025 Evening of Excellence was sponsored by the Capital Area Transportation Authority, UnoDeuce Multimedia, Lake State Landscaping & Snow Removal, Lake Trust Credit Union and SuperWebPros.
To view photos from the 2025 Annual Evening of Excellence event, click here.
