Downtown Beloit Association counts its blessings at annual dinner

BELOIT — The Downtown Beloit Association recounted accomplishments, handed out awards and expressed a lot of thanks to member businesses, volunteers and sponsors during its 38th Annual Dinner Thursday night.

The theme for the event was S.O.S. (Secret of Our Success), which turned out to be the businesses, volunteers and sponsors who help make the downtown business district vibrant and successful.

The event, held at Beloit College’s Powerhouse Center, featured food, music and lots of accolades.

Stephanie Knueppel, outgoing chair of the DBA board, pointed to some impressive numbers for 2024. She noted the DBA presented 11 events in the downtown area, drawing 132,983 attendees. There were eight new businesses joining the downtown business district, supplying 52 new jobs. There were six upper floor housing grants administered and there was $3,314.22 in facade and sign improvement grants issued.

There were 10 awards presented during the evening. One surprise award went to Downtown Beloit Association Executive Director Shauna El Amin. Stephanie Knueppel presented the Chair’s Award to El Amin for her many hours of dedication to the DBA and her years of leading the organization.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Stephanie Knuppel, for her years as a volunteer and serving on the DBA board.
The Best Place Maker Award went to Visit Beloit and the Beloit Art Center for the Electric Box Wrap program. Five utility boxes in downtown Beloit were decorated with decorative wraps, featuring unique art.

The Best Interior Renovation Award went to Austin’s Barber Shop. After years of clipping hair at a location on State Street, owner and barber Rod Gottfriedsen moved his shop to 603 Broad St. He transformed a former car dealership office into a welcoming barbershop for his long-time customers.

The Best Event Award went to DEVIATE, an art event featuring performance, fashion, music and more.

The Community Engagement Award went to the USS Beloit Commissioning Committee. This committee planned events and fundraising efforts for the commissioning of the naval ship the USS Beloit, and set money aside for crew members who may need funds in emergencies.

The Large Business of the Year Award went to Henry Dorrbaker’s, a tavern, restaurant and entertainment venue which recently opened in the Ironworks Campus in downtown Beloit.

The Small Business of the Year Award went to Home Decor and Gifts.

The Best Facade Rehabilitation went to Estetica Express.

The Best Building Transformation went to Henry Dorrbaker’s.