City recognizes downtown leaders
(Seguin) – Movers and shakers in Downtown Seguin are not going unnoticed. The Seguin Main Street Program recently recognized those making an impact in downtown Seguin whether it be through business, community or volunteerism. The honorees were applauded during this year’s Moonlight and Roses event held Friday night in the Memorial Rose Garden located along Walnut Springs Park.
Helping to present this year’s batch of winners was Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen. Dodgen led the night with the presentation of this year’s 2022 Downtowner of the Year – an award recognizing the business having the largest impact in downtown Seguin.
“The Downtowner of the Year goes to Pecantown Books & Brews. The restaurant and bookstore opened in May of 2022 and quickly became a popular destination for locals and visitors. As the only independent bookstore in Seguin, New Braunfels, and San Marcos, Pecantown is filling a need for the whole region. They are hosting weekly events that encourage community discussion, celebration, and healing,” said Dodgen.
Owner Tess Coody-Anders says she is appreciative of the honor and describes the past year as incredible.
“It felt like a validation of everything that we’ve been hearing from the community that having a place where books and breaking bread together and coming together was something that people really wanted and I think the recognition was a validation not just for Pecantown but really all of the many people in Seguin who have been so supportive,” said Anders.
Although she had the vision, Anders says it was her work family that put that plan into action.
“We have about 10 employees and some of those folks are seasonal. They work when they are home from college but we have a solid and steady core group that are there everyday and I’m incredibly proud of them. Really, this honor is ours as a group. We are a really well connected and engaged team and everybody that is there is there because they love the mission of what we are doing for downtown and I think that that shows in the way they treat people. It’s a delight everyday to work with the people that I work with,” said Anders.
Anders says the recognition received by the city is also shared with others who together help make businesses in Seguin successful.
“Beyond the employees that we have, we have a network of other small businesses from which we purchase a lot of the critical goods and services we need to do what we do. So, we feel really blessed to be part of a community where other local businesses are part of our success,” said Anders.
Dodgen on Friday night also helped to recognize this year’s Volunteer of the Year. Dodgen presented this year’s volunteer award to Steve Tschoepe.
“Steve has been actively involved with the Seguin Conservation Society for decades, served on Seguin City Council, the Seguin Commission on the Arts, and much more. But what most people probably know Steve for is his dedication at the Texas Theater where he acts as the manager for the theater. Seguin Main Street is proud to present Steve with the Volunteer of the Year Award,” stated Dodgen.
Preserving the beauty of downtown Seguin was also recognized during this year’s Moonlight and Roses event. Dodgen says the preservation of the Mosheim Mansion has been very important making Patricia Saucedo and Greg Schnurr the winners of this year’s award.
“In April of 2021, lightning struck the mansion leading to a devastating fire and the community feared the mansion would sit vacant and unrepaired for years. However, within months of the fire, Patricia and Greg bought the mansion and began the long repair process. They have invested heavily into restoring the mansion and are working to restore historic features like the wood windows, balconies, and more. For protecting and saving the Mosheim Mansion, Main Street is pleased to present Patricia and Greg with the Downtown Beautification Award,” said Dodgen.
Dodgen says the final award of the evening was the Downtowner Partner of the Year. Dodgen says this year’s award was presented to the Seguin Conservation Society.
“The Conservation Society has been in existence long before the Seguin Main Street Program and have been an active partner to Main Street by preserving several downtown landmarks, hosting community events like the Seguin Birthday Party, and operating the Texas Theater which brings thousands of people to downtown Seguin every year. For always being willing to assist Main Street and being an excellent partner, Seguin Main Street is pleased to name the Conservation Society as its Partner of the Year,” said Dodgen.
Alongside the four annual downtown awards, the city also took the time to recognize Board Chair Anna Moreno for her time on the Main Street Advisory Board. Moreno served on the board from 2017 to 2022 when she was term limited from continuing to serve.
