Downtown Indy Alliance presented a series of awards at its State of Downtown event recognizing small-business leadership, arts contributors and longtime civic volunteers.

The organization's Spirit of Downtown and champion awards highlighted small-business longevity and contributions to downtown culture. Kristen Stiles, owner of Silver in the City on Mass Ave, was recognized for 25 years in business and for leadership in neighborhood commercial revitalization. "Kristen really jumped in to fill sort of a leadership role on the avenue," a presenter said when introducing the award.

The event also honored photographer Chandu (Shandu) Premgar for work capturing everyday moments in Indianapolis, including night photography and images organizers said help tell the city’s story. Several presenters praised the honoree’s ability to make the arts accessible and to encourage a community of creators.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to longtime WTHR personality Chuck Lofton, recognized for decades of public engagement and for emceeing public events such as the Circle of Lights and the 500 Festival parade. "How I love this city and how thankful I am to have spent my career in service to Indianapolis and Indiana," Lofton said in his remarks.

Organizers used the awards segment to emphasize downtown’s cultural assets alongside its economic growth, and to highlight partnerships among business, media and nonprofit sectors that they said underpin ongoing downtown investment.