RENO, Nev. (Sep. 12, 2019) – Winners of the “2019 EDAWN Arts & Business Awards” were announced today from among 34 local businesses, organizations and individuals in Greater Reno-Sparks that have demonstrated exceptional support and engagement with the local arts and culture community. Held in partnership with the City of Reno, City of Sparks, Sierra Arts Foundation, University of Nevada Reno, College of Liberal Arts and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), the event was held at the Silver Legacy Casino drawing more than 400 local business representatives, government leaders and individuals from the arts community.

Congratulations to the winners of the “2019 EDAWN Arts & Business Awards”.

Double Scoop
Business of the Year, Microenterprise

Great Basin Brewing Company
Business of the Year, Small 

Bill Pearce Motors
Business of the Year, Large

Marc Johnson and Karen Penner–Johnson
University of Nevada, Reno
Leadership

Larry Engstrom / University of Nevada, Reno
Lifetime Achievement

Reno Philharmonic
Excellence in Arts Business Management

Brian Bolton / Reno High School
Arts Education

Nancy Fennell–Dickson Realty
Business Community Arts Advocate of the Year

Mayor Hillary Schieve, City of Reno
Elected Arts Advocate of the Year

Reno–Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority
Community Arts Partner of the Year

“Congratulations to all the nominees and especially the winners! We are very fortunate that Greater Reno-Sparks has the support of so many who are passionate about and understand the positive impacts that the arts have on our community,” said Mike Kazmierski, President and CEO of EDAWN. “In our world of economic development we strongly support the arts, its impact in fueling a vibrant economy and the important role it plays in our efforts to attract new businesses and talent to our region.”

Also in attendance at the awards luncheon was the State of Nevada Office of the Governor Steve Sisolak, Jessica Diss; State of Nevada Lt. Governor, Kate Marshall; U.S. Senator Office of Catherine Cortez-Masto, Bill Chan; U.S. Senator Office of Jacky Rosen, Emily-Lande-Rose  and Natalie Okeson; U.S. Congressman Office of Mark Amodei, Arturo Garzon; Nevada State Assemblywoman, Jill Tolles; City of Reno Councilmember, Naomi Duerr; City of Reno Councilmember, Devon Reese; City of Sparks Mayor, Ron Smith; City of Sparks Councilmember, Donald Abbott; City of Sparks Councilmember, Charlene Bybee; City of Sparks Councilmember, Ed Lawson; Washoe County Assistant Manager, Kate Thomas; and Washoe County Commissioner, Marsha Berkbigler.

About EDAWN:

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada is a private/public partnership established in 1983. They are committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting newly forming companies, to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks. For more information, www.edawn.org.

Contact:
Norma Yamaji
EDAWN, Manager, Business Development
775-829-3768, yamaji@edawn.org