Coffee Mill, Flipside and Morning Glory Inn Recognized by DDA

DDA President Joyce Blackley presented two awards Tuesday night during the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce’ Installation and Awards Dinner. The 2006 Downtown Commitment Award is given to the owners of a downtown business that has shown a persistent and enthusiastic passion for downtown Clayton. The award winners have demonstrated a consistent commitment to cultivating a sense of place and retaining the culture and history of Clayton. Mrs. Blackley noted that the business was started in downtown Clayton because of the historic nature of the building and that the small-town atmosphere would support their vision of a business that people could connect to. The Coffee Mill celebrates its seventh anniversary this month and The Flipside, celebrates its fifth year. The vision of owners Jodi Sager and Cliff Morgan is being realized as the Coffee Mill has become a community gathering spot and The Flipside provides good food and the only live music in Clayton featuring up and coming local, regional and national touring acts every week. The Coffee Mill and The Flipside are a great asset to downtown Clayton and Jodi and Cliff were thanked for their commitment to downtown Clayton.

The next award was The 2006 Main Street Champion Award goes to an individual or individuals who are involved with the downtown development program and whose work has had a positive impact on downtown Clayton. For the past three and a half years, the Morning Glory Inn has been the only overnight accommodation in Clayton. Innkeepers Betsy and Michael Grannis have hosted numerous people overnight at the bed and breakfast and hosted countless events during the day and evening. Mrs. Blackley said Betsy has been very active in the local community as a board member of the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce; the Woman’s Club of Clayton, and as a member of the Downtown Development Association’s Economic Restructuring Committee. Mrs. Grannis has recently been appointed to the DDA Board and now serves as the Chair of the Organization Committee. Mr. Grannis served as Chairman of the DDA until his election to the Town Council last year. He has been an advocate for downtown Clayton since his arrival in town and helped lead the discussion toward a more concerted effort to revitalize downtown Clayton.