Programs and Initiatives
Downtown Designation
In 2006, Revitalizing Waterbury (RW) partnered with the Town of Waterbury in submitting Waterbury’s successful application to become Vermont’s 22nd Designated Downtown, and again in its designation renewals in 2012 and 2016. Status as a Designated Downtown allows business and property owners, as well as the Town and Village of Waterbury, to take advantage of select tax credits and grant opportunities. In 2022 the 23 Vermont Designated Downtowns came together to create the Vermont Downtown Coalition to support, grow, and strengthen Vermont's historic downtowns.
Revitalizing Waterbury's Standing Committees
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Waterbury Area Development Committee identifies new market opportunities for the traditional commercial district, strengthens existing businesses and helps recruit new businesses. Projects include: annual economic data collection and quarterly business mixers.
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Design Committee plays a key role in shaping the physical image of Main Street as a place attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors. Projects include summer and fall flower barrel plantings, holiday trees, and banners.
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Tourism and Marketing Committee works to promote Waterbury as a destination center of commerce, culture, and community life for residents and visitors alike. Projects include the Waterbury Arts Fest and Friday Night Block Party and the Wrap It Up & Win Holiday shopping campaign.
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Community Ambassadors ensure that summer visitors to Waterbury receive a warm welcome and helpful guidance on how to make the most of their visit to our community. Headquartered at the Waterbury Train Station, Community Ambassadors are passionate about local history, delight in meeting new people, and love of sharing about the community.
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Volunteer Corps are community members who are interested in supporting RW with time and talent. Corps members receive emails when help is needed. Projects may include planting barrels, working at the Waterbury Arts Fest, and helping in the office.
Kathy O’Dell Community Service Award
First awarded in 2003, the Annual Community Service Award aims to honor local businesses or individuals who have contributed to the continued revitalization of Waterbury, and especially its downtown. The Kathy O’Dell Community Service Award is given annually by RW in recognition of a business or individuals who give back to their community. Kathy O’Dell was a founding member of RW, who served as the organization’s first president in 1991; she passed away in February of 2005.
Recipients:
- 2003 Green Mountain Coffee
- 2004 WDEV
- 2005 Vincent’s Drug and Variety / John and Val Vincent
- 2006 David and Margaret Luce
- 2007 Pilgrim Partnership / Ed Steele and Steve VanEsen
- 2008 Arvad’s Grill and Pub / Jeffrey and Maryanne Larkin
- 2009 Waterbury True Value / John and Pat Halloran
- 2011 Pomearleau Real Estate / Ernie Pomerleau
- 2013 Stowe Street Emporium / Jack Carter
- 2014 The Alchemist / John & Jen Kimmich
- 2015 Laura Parette
- 2016 Theresa Wood
- 2018 Rick Darby
- 2019 Anne Imhoff
- 2021 MK Monley
- 2022 John "Rock" Malter
- 2023 Whitney Aldrich
- 2024 Nicole Grenier
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AwARD
In 2019, the RW Board of Directors created an award to recognize a volunteer who, in the previous year, had gone above and beyond their volunteer role to make a difference for Revitalizing Waterbury.
Recipients:
- 2019 Steve Lotspeich, co-chair Design Committee
- 2021 Laura Parette, co-chair Marketing & Tourism Committee
- 2022 Kathy Murphy, Waterbury Arts Fest Planning Committee, Stowe Street Alley Committee and more
Waterbury Community Branding
Waterbury has developed a strong community brand. The complimentary tools and information found in the Community Brand Identity Guidelines are designed to help promote Waterbury and its businesses and organizations.
For further information, questions or access to the files please contact the Executive Director, Karen Nevin, [email protected] or 802-793-6029.