MANDI 2017

12.07.2016 — LISC StoriesMANDI Awards

MILWAUKEE (April 6, 2017) — The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) celebrate the “good news” of successful efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the community.

From public nominations, a volunteer Selection Committee named 15 finalists for the awards this year, and winners were announced Thursday, April 6, to an audience of 800 community leaders at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino.

The event was emceed by Shannon Sims, Anchor and Reporter for Todays’ TMJ4, and welcoming remarks were made by Donsia Strong Hill, Executive Director, LISC; City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; presenting sponsor Steve Saloutos, Executive Vice President, US Bank; and Susan Hatch, Hatch Staffing Solutions and Chair of the LISC Milwaukee Advisory Board.

Awarded to a public space that builds community, the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award was given to Milwaukee County and community partners for the revitalization of Johnsons Park in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood. Finalists include the Green Tree Community Garden and the Journey House Community Garden.

Awarded for commitment and effectiveness over time, the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award was given to the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center for their work in the Westlawn community. Finalists included the City on a Hill and Milwaukee Christian Center.

Awarded to an individual for leadership, the Northern Trust Navigator Award was given to Darryl Johnson, the Executive Director if the Riverworks Development Corporation.

Awarded for innovation, the PNC Bank Trailblazer Award was given to The Historic Wally Schmidt Tavern Redevelopment developed by Fix Development and Jeremey Davis for their innovative and equitable development model. Finalists included The Arts@Large Fill in the Gaps Initiative in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Schools and The Layton Boulevard West Neighbors Home Improvements Matching Grants Program.

Awarded for a real estate project that improves the community, The State Farm Building Blocks was given to Innovations and Wellness Commons, Walnut Way Conservation Corps. Finalists included Milwaukee Asian Public Markets Phongsavan, Pai Yang and Milwaukee TechForce Training Center, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee.

Three winners were named for the Wells Fargo People’s Choice Award, an online social media campaign to select public picks for three winners across all award categories. The three winners included Milwaukee Christian Center, Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, and Journey House Community Garden.

All winners received a trophy and $1,000 contribution. Finalists and winners are selected by a volunteer selection committee comprised of forty private, public and government volunteers.

View and download photos of the Awards ceremony.