LONGEST TABLE WINS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

The International Downtown Association (IDA) has recognized the Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region and Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals with the Downtown Achievement Pinnacle Award for its work and initiatives related to The Longest Table.
 
Each year, IDA recognizes outstanding projects as winners of the Downtown Achievement Awards which identify improvements to urban centers by dedicated organizations around the globe. The industry’s highest recognition, the Pinnacle Award, represents the most creative and inspiring innovations in urban place management. During a comprehensive review, this year’s projects were awarded by a jury of IDA members. The Longest Table won in the category of marketing, communications, and events.
 
“This event gives a voice to the everyday citizen, inviting them to the table to participate in civic conversation,” said Becca Baumbach, executive director of the Community Foundation. “We are so proud that Grand Forks rose to the top of the list of international submissions.”  
 
The Longest Table welcomes residents for a free dinner in a welcoming environment with people they may not have known, to foster stronger connections, exchange stories, and share ideas about their community. Following the event, residents are invited to apply for micro-grants to get their ideas off the table and into action. More information about the Longest Table is available at longesttablegf.com.
 
“This innovative project received the IDA Pinnacle Award for setting the new standard for improving cities worldwide,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Longest Table has made an impact on its city and the people who live, work and play in the community, and demonstrates the continued commitment to champion livable, vital and thriving urban centers.”
 
Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts.
 
IDA will convene virtually this October for a three-day conference themed Forward Together to discuss topics facing downtowns and city centers. Kathryn Kester, executive director of Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals will present about their award-winning project during [session title] at the 66th Annual Conference & Marketplace, October 6-8, 2020. For more information about the session and conference, please visit the event webpage.
 
“I’m so proud of this award, but even more proud of the many people and partners who came together to make The Longest Table happen. This is our community, and we all deserve a voice in shaping it,” said Kester.
 
The 2020 Downtown Achievement Awards are sponsored by Grow with Google. Additional information on the Pinnacle award winners can be found online at downtown.org in early October.
 
IDA’s Annual Conference & Marketplace is the premier gathering for professional placemakers and urban champions creating vibrant and healthy cities around the world. The conference features educational sessions, Master Talks (short keynotes from industry leaders), marketplace exhibitors and online opportunities for members from around the world to network. Additional conference information is available here.
 
About IDA
IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. Our members are city builders and downtown champions who bring urban centers to life, bridging the gap between the public and private sectors. We represent an industry of more than 2,500 place management organizations, employing 100,000 people throughout North America and growing rapidly around the world. Founded in 1954, IDA is a resource center for ideas and innovative best practices in urban place management. For more information, visit www.downtown.org.

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