Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance Board President Receives Excellence on Main Award

Gary Glein, board president of the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance (GHDWA), was recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” at Washington Main Street’s Excellence on Main Awards Ceremony on May 16 in Vancouver, Washington. The ceremony was held in conjunction with RevitalizeWA, Washington State’s Preservation and Main Street Conference.

Glein currently serves as President of the Waterfront Alliance, having also served at the committee level prior to his board involvement. He is a resident and property owner in the Main Street district and daily lives out his passion for the downtown waterfront. 

Glein can be seen visiting businesses throughout the district and lending an ear to comments, victories, and complaints. He proudly demonstrates the "shop local" mantra by supporting the district’s small, independent businesses. 

Glein's love for intrinsic data has created a foundation of district knowledge that will pave the way for future projects. His prior leadership on the Economic Development Committee led to the launch of a number of critical projects.

Chris Philips and John Lantz, fellow Alliance supporters, credit Glein's passion for people and hard-nosed approach to market data for helping to weave together the diverse interests of the city, property and business owners, residents, visitors and other community stakeholders.

Mary DesMarais, GHWDA Executive Director, was delighted that the state honored Gary's efforts and leadership.

"Gary's love for our community and his dedication to the Alliance make him the epitome of what every Main Street Executive Director hopes for in a President," she said.

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Gary and his wife Linda over the past two years, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Volunteer of the Year award,” said Sarah Hansen, Washington State Main Street Coordinator. “Gary’s commitment to Gig Harbor has challenged the community to come together and build strong partnerships that are vital to the success of the waterfront. His level of involvement and love of spreadsheets and market data has broadened the scope and savvy of the Main Street program.”

The Excellence on Main Awards, organized by the Washington State Main Street Program, recognizes communities, organizations, and individuals who are helping to achieve economic vitality and build sustainable communities through downtown revitalization and preservation.

Washington’s Main Street Program is housed in the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and administered, under contract, by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.