Braden garners Business of the Year Award
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A Main Street establishment — whose owners devoted a great deal of time and hard work to revitalize one of the Star City’s beloved landmarks — garnered the Business of the Year 2010 honor during the annual Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce dinner, held Feb. 25 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center.
This year’s winner was the Braden Theatre, owned by father/son Arlen and Chris Dow, of Presque Isle. The business and its owners were recognized for breathing life into the downtown, according to Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
“They’ve done so much for the community, restoring the theatre and bringing hundreds of movie-goers downtown,” said Fowler.
Kim Kennedy nominated the business and its owners based on the enhancements made to the theatre and the benefits other businesses on Main Street have felt as the result of having a movie theatre downtown.
“From the moment I heard we’d have a renovated theatre downtown, I was so excited. I knew it would help improve downtown,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy said the theatre provides quality entertainment and helps promote togetherness, be it families taking in a movie or friends gathering to see the latest show.
“The Braden Theatre gives us all an escape — provides an opportunity for outings with our family and friends,” Kennedy said.
Despite the many hours of hard work that went into refurbishing the popular landmark — named for John R. Braden, a Presque Isle harness-racing legend — the Dows have seen the fruits of their labor grow, with patrons returning again and again to enjoy the latest movie releases.
“It was a chore to begin with,” said Arlen Dow, but one he acknowledged was worth it. “We’ve sold over 500,000 tickets the past year.”
No matter the weather or what the holiday, Dow said the show goes on.
“We’ve shown shows every night since we opened,” he said. “We appreciate the support we’ve received. We’re doing well.”
Fowler expressed the sentiment of many who’ve visited the business, kicking back to enjoy the latest motion picture.
“It’s great to have a theatre in town,” said Fowler.
Rep. Mike Willette, D-Presque Isle, was also on hand to recognize the Braden and its owners, presenting a Legislative Sentiment to the Dows in honor of their hard work and commitment to the community.
“This is an acknowledgement of your achievements at the state level,” he said.
Willette, an avid movie-goer, noted his own pleasure in having the Braden open for business once again.
“I can’t even begin to express how awesome it was to see work progress,” said Willette. “Thank you for providing entertainment in Presque Isle.”
THE BRADEN THEATRE was named Business of the Year 2010 during the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner, held Feb. 25 at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. Pictured, from left: Kim Kennedy, who nominated the business and presented the award; and theatre owners Chris Dow and his father, Arlen Dow.
THEATRE RECEIVES STATE RECOGNITION — The Braden Theatre, named Business of the Year during the annual PIACC dinner Feb. 25, was presented with a Legislative Sentiment in recognition of the award. Pictured, from left: Chris Dow, Braden co-owner; Rep. Mike Willette, D-Presque Isle; and Arlen Dow, Braden co-owner.
