Fate wins four 2022 Texas Downtown Association Awards

FATE, TX (Nov. 10, 2022) – Winners for the 2022 President’s Awards Program were announced on Wednesday, November 2 at the annual Texas Downtown Conference in San Marcos. For over 30 years the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown Association, has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of downtowns across the state.

Texas Downtown Association was established in 1985 and its mission is to provide members with resources, advocacy, education, and connections to develop vibrant districts. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals.

Due to outstanding efforts and innovative partnerships with the city, Fate’s Local Business Action Team and Food Haul were both chosen as winners of awards from Texas Downtown Association. The Local Business Action team was selected for a Resiliency Award and the Food Haul was chosen for a Best Economic Game Changer Award. In addition, the Action Team and Food Haul both won People’s Choice Awards in their designated categories as well.

Fate’s Local Business Action Team is composed of Fate business owners and entrepreneurs. The team was created to help the city enhance its downtown experience through events, beautification, and increased awareness for existing and new businesses.

When asked about the team, Fate’s Economic and Community Development Manager, Suzy Lawrence stated, “Due to city capacity, we needed more people to become involved in the realization of all the great ideas, wishes, and dreams for our downtown. From this need, the Local Business Action Team was born. As a city, we are beyond proud of our staff, partners, business owners, and residents for such an awesome introduction to realizing the future of Fate!”

Fate’s Food Haul is a 1.4-acre outdoor food truck court that includes designated parking, public restrooms, a youth playground and adult outdoor game area, a music stage, and five anchored food trucks with a special permitting for visiting trucks. Through its successful launch and continued financial and social contributions, this creative use of previously stagnant land has become an “Economic Game Changer” for Fate’s economic development goals.

While discussing the Food Haul, Mayor David Billings said, “In the spirit of growing a sustainable and entrepreneurial environment, Fate is successfully creating a vibrant and unique downtown, which will drive the long-term success of our small businesses. We are so proud of all of our downtown businesses and look forward to being the entrepreneurial hub of Rockwall County.”

One hundred and twenty-nine entries were submitted in twelve different categories from communities across the state.

For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Association, or other programs of Texas Downtown, visit www.texasdowntown.org.

Submitted by City of Fate.