MOUNT VERNON – The Walter Rudin Award, sponsored by Park National Bank, is awarded to an individual in honor of their long-term commitment to downtown Mount Vernon and the community.
Recognizing the significant contributions to downtown Mount Vernon and Main Street Mount Vernon, the 2020 Walter Rudin Award recipient joins a list of distinguished members of the downtown Mount Vernon story.
Joining Griffin Insurance Agency as an agent in 1995, Michael Percy purchased the agency in 1997. As owner of Griffin Insurance, Percy is extremely involved in Mount Vernon in an active role.
Percy played an instrumental role in the development of the beautiful 250-acre Ariel-Foundation Park, which brings thousands of visitors a year right in to the downtown corridor. He took a leadership role in the renovation of the historic CA&C Depot, where Main Street Mount Vernon now calls home.
Serving as past president of the Rotary Club of Mount Vernon, Percy helped institute a downtown event as a Rotary Club fundraiser bringing hundreds of people on to Main Street.
Percy currently serves on the Cooper Progress Park Development Corporation Board, focused on bringing business and energy to the West High Street area of downtown, and is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
As a past board member of Main Street Mount Vernon, Percy’s commitment to our downtown is evident. He directly supports the work of the organization by continuing a long-standing tradition of sponsoring First Fridays, and his willingness to help out when called upon and offer advice and guidance when asked for.
Percy is there through means of revitalization and continues to build a legacy for downtown Mount Vernon and Knox County.
A presentation was held at the Woodward Opera House on July 1. A hand-blown glass award made by Coleman Gallery was presented to Percy by Bob Boss of Park National Bank.
A video presentation was also shown, commemorating the accomplishment, and is now available on Main Street Mount Vernon’s Facebook page and website.
For more information about Main Street Mount Vernon’s Annual Awards, how to nominate your favorite business for future awards, or to join the downtown movement, head to www.mainstreetmountvernon.com.
