Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) Announces 2020 Winners for Improving Milwaukee Neighborhoods during Virtual Event

MILWAUKEE (April 27, 2020) — The Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (known as the MANDIs) celebrates the “good news” of successful efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and strengthen the community.

LISC appreciates the opportunity to recognize what’s happening in Milwaukee neighborhoods. People are working hard to create safe, healthy, vibrant neighborhoods for their community. For 21 years, the MANDIs continue to showcase the efforts of those that make our neighborhoods stronger.

“For over two decades, the MANDIs have recognized the great work of the finalists and awarded many winners, but equally important these people, projects and organizations have inspired and renewed the optimism of those who are working each day to improve our communities.,” said Theodore Lipscomb, Sr., Executive Director of LISC Milwaukee, the nonprofit host of the MANDIs.

From public nominations, a volunteer Selection Committee named 12 finalists in December, and winners were announced Thursday, August 27, during a virtual event.

The event was emceed by Shannon Sims, Anchor for Todays’ TMJ4, and welcoming remarks were made by LISC National President and CEO, Maurice Jones, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; presenting sponsor Suzanne Zwaska, Vice President, US Bank; Roger Sandell, Vice President, Johnson Bank and Chair of the LISC Milwaukee Advisory Board.

Awarded for commitment and effectiveness over time, the BMO Harris Bank Cornerstone Award was presented by Paul Fehrenbach, BMO Harris, and Vice President of Community Investments. This award was given to the Dominican Center

Awarded to a public space that builds community, the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award was presented by Cecelia Gore, Executive Director for the foundation. This award was given to The Kinnickinnic River Plaza.

Awarded to an individual for leadership, the PNC Bank Navigator Award was presented by Dan Sweeny, Vice President, Relationship Manager Community Development Banking of PNC Bank.  This award was given to Sharon Jordan for her work with Direct Supply, Inc.

Awarded for innovation, the Associated Bank Trailblazer Award was presented by William Kopka, Vice President, Community Accountability Officer of Associated Bank. This award was given to the Wisconsin’s First Ever Deaf StorySlam.

Awarded for a real estate project that improves the community, The State Farm Building Blocks Award was presented by Jason Mallon, State Farm Agent. This award was given to Sherman Phoenix.

Awarded for nonprofits that collaborate and align, The Northwestern Mutual Collaboration Award was presented by Audra Brennen, Senior Director, Strategic Philanthropy. This award was given to “Training the Trades,” a collaboration between, The City of Milwaukee, The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College, JCP Construction and the Social Development Commission.

Awarded for economic and business development, the Chase Economic Development Award, was presented by Alvaro Araque, Executive Director, Consumer Banking for Chase Bank. This award was given to RISE MKE Entrepreneurial Training Program.

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. These awards were presented by Andrew Ruehl, Vice President, Community Relations Senior Consultant. The three winners included: The Kinnickinnic River Plaza, Sherman Phoenix and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee. 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.

A replay of the event is available online at www.MANDIawards.com

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.