In 2018 MSAA started the tradition of annually recognizing someone in the community who stands out as a champion supporter of our Mission to the vitality of downtown. We chose the honor to be named the Dennis Serras Award in recognition of Dennis, a man who was a big part of the revitalization of downtown during the 80s. He and a partner started Main Street Ventures by opening Gratzi, Palio and Real Seafood downtown in a time when everyone was going out to the malls. He could have opened his restaurants anywhere but chose downtown because of his love for it.
Awardees
2022 Dennis Serras Award / Mathew Altruda
Ann Arbor has a long history of being known for the arts, specifically our music scene. Matthew Altruda is a huge driver for keeping that tradition and recognition alive and well.
Matthew hosts Tree Town Sound on Ann Arbor's 107.1 (Sunday nights at 6pm) where he talks about and with local musicians, discussing their artwork and how it fits in with the larger music scene and history. He’s also the curator of the Bank of Ann Arbor's Sonic Lunch and he put together the music for the TreeVerb Music Festival which took place downtown in 2019. His love for the talent in Ann Arbor and the downtown resonates strongly through his work and conversations.
Last year when we asked Matthew if he would help out with our A2 Summer Streets music series, he didn’t hesitate, he immediately said “I’m in.” He coordinated all of the music we had and was there every single Thursday night from June – August to help out the musicians and make sure we were setup for them. He did it because of his love for music and our Main Street. Thank you Matthew!
2021 Dennis Serras Award / Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
The work they have done, and continue to do, to support our downtown through this pandemic is truly something to be honored and proud of. When talks of a shut down began in 2020 the DDA team took immediate action. Everyone on that team worked to explore ideas, identify best practices, and what logistics and processes were needed to make meaningful responses & support happen for our businesses. Link to story.
• They bagged meters for curbside pickup & continue to do so
• Paid for businesses 2020 & 2021 sidewalk occupancy permits
• Provided downtown with consistent messaging for health & safety
• Handed out free PPE kits to businesses
• Financially supported the Main Street Area flower beds in 2020, to keep downtown beautiful
• Took a full-page Observer ad out promoting to support downtown businesses
• Facilitated research for, financially supported, and advocated for the block closures and the patio extension program in both 2020 & 2021
• They turned on the holiday lights sooner to brighten downtown
• They Financially supported the “Show Your Love for Downtown” marketing campaign
In the past this award has gone to individuals. We couldn’t be more happy that this time around it is going to a team of people that have truly made an impact to support our downtown during one of the toughest times in our history.
2020 Dennis Serras Award / Lauren Kosowski
This year we nominated Lauren Kosowski for the award, someone who’s job has nothing to do with downtown. Her job is as a consultant for a healthcare IT company. She’s just someone who loves Main Street and wants to help in any way she can to support our downtown businesses and MSAA through this turbulent year of the pandemic. Lauren came across MSAA in the Observer, looked us up and emailed, asking how she could contribute. After one conversation she was off to the races brainstorming and sharing ideas for promotion, recruiting her friends to help pass out Midnight Madness posters, and seeking and receiving sponsorship for MSAA. Link to story.
2019 Dennis Serras Award / Meredith Bruckner
It was not difficult to identify our awardee this year, Meredith Bruckner of WDIV. Even without reading Meredith’s stories or seeing her segments on Channel 4, if you’ve met her you know her love and enthusiasm for Ann Arbor and its entrepreneurs - it shines through when you talk with her. Meredith continuously seeks the unique people and happenings that makeup our great downtown and shares their stories with great pride. Link to story.
2018 Dennis Serras Award / Lucy Ann Lance Show
Lucy Ann Lance and Dean Erskine are an integral part of Ann Arbor. Together they host weekly radio segments highlighting downtown events, businesses, nonprofits, and history. Their broadcasts and work help to bring the community together and to create a neighborhood feel to downtown. Link to their show.
