WICHITA, Kan. - 9/26/2011 - On Saturday, September 24, during its 57th Annual Conference in the City of Charlotte, North Carolina, the International Downtown Association (IDA) recognized the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation with IDA's highest honor, a Downtown Pinnacle Award for its Leadership and Management in the development of Downtown Wichita.

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation was a national finalist in the category of Downtown Leadership and Management. This category features comprehensive and unique organizational approaches, projects, or programs that improved the effectiveness of Downtown management organizations.

"The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation received this prestigious award for demonstrating excellence in Downtown management," said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. "Each year the IDA Awards Jury honors the very best programs and projects in each category to recognize great work and most importantly to set the standard for best practice in the industry. The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation provides a great example for other development entities to emulate."

"Project Downtown is providing the Wichita Downtown Development Corporation a tremendous blueprint to develop Downtown" commented Jeff Fluhr, President of the WDDC. "Through dynamic partnerships with the public, philanthropic and private sectors; invaluable resources such as the Downtown Public Investment Policy, the new Design and Innovation Center, and the twelve-member Loan Consortium are now a reality and a model for other communities. We have a clear vision, defined development strategies and a commitment to implement the community's vision through Project Downtown."

The Washington, D.C. based International Downtown Association (IDA) is a champion for vital and livable urban centers and strives to inform, influence, and inspire downtown leaders and advocates. With over 550 national and international members, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities, and regions.

The Wichita Downtown Development Corporation is the advocacy and management organization representing the interests of property owners in Downtown Wichita and is a member of the International Downtown Association.

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