Crampton Named Business Person of the Year

On her way out the door as the director of LakewoodAlive, Mary Anne Crampton is getting some big recognition from her peers. 

She has been named by the as the Business Person of the Year for 2011.

Crampton, who that she was retiring, has headed the non-profit economic development organization since 2007, when she replaced Jennifer Hooper as the executive director.

The organization was known then as Lakewood Community Progress Inc., before it merged with the grassroots community organization LakewoodAlive in 2008.

Patty Ryan, director of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, said that Crampton isn’t receiving the award simply because she’s retiring.

“We in the business community need the opportunity to thank her for everything she’s done,” Ryan said. “You look at the reasons the organization was founded, Mary Anne did it exactly the way it was envisioned.”

Among the reasons cited for her nomination in a chamber press release is her leadership of LakewoodAlive’s nationally accredited Downtown Lakewood Main Street revitalization program, LakewoodAlive’s housing outreach service program that works to protect Lakewood’s housing stock and the organization’s community engagement efforts that keep residents informed on topics of economic import to the city.  

When asked about the recognition, Crampton was humble.

“I am honored that it recognizes that has contributed to the success of Lakewood Alive — staff volunteers, board members and the businesses that supported our work that have all made this possible,” she said. “I am very proud of what the work has meant for the city of Lakewood. 

“I believe in the Main Street approach and I believe in the role that non-profits can play in the community and I am proud to have gotten this up and running.”

Crampton is being replaced by Ian Andrews, who was named earlier in the week as the new director of the organization.

“She made it look so easy,” Ryan said. “She left the organization healthy and ready for the future.”

Crampton is being honored at a special chamber luncheon Friday at Around the Corner. Reservations can still be made by sending an email to vmechenbier@lakewoodchamber.org.