The overview
Per the release, the program aims to recognize properties within East Montgomery County that demonstrate outstanding maintenance and visual appeal.
"We need to celebrate and recognize the commercial properties that take pride in their investment," chamber President and CEO Mark Linabury said in a statement. "We want to encourage property and business owners to realize the impact they have on first impressions and community pride."
The first award of the program was given Nov. 21 to Amy Vollert, owner of Salons at the Loft located on FM 1314 in Porter. Vollert said the business opened in 2009 and is a "one-stop-shop" for beauty services from hair stylists, barbers, facial estheticians, nail technicians and massage therapists, among others.
"As someone who takes pride in the building—and we work so hard to do that—getting the recognition really makes a difference," Vollert said. "It makes you feel like it's worth something [because] everyone's paying attention in the community, so we want to keep that image going. I think the more recognitions and the more awards ... people will see that and maybe they'll step up and take care of their properties."
How it works
Per the release, to qualify for recognition, buildings must be at least 2 years old, well-maintained and free from visible damage. Evaluation criteria include:
- Paint condition
- Landscaping
- Signage
- Parking or drive areas that are paved, clearly striped and free of debris
Linabury noted that award recipients do not need to be GEMCC members.
Something to note
Linabury said the program was inspired by the East Montgomery County Improvement District's Facade Improvement Grant program. As previously reported by Community Impact, the program offers qualified business owners an opportunity to revitalize their brick-and-mortar storefronts with financial assistance.
Learn more
To learn more about GEMCC's Proud Property Awards program, click here. To learn more about EMCID's Facade Improvement Grant program, click here.
