Downtown Neighbors Alliance Annual Dinner Recap

By Olivia Miller

Last Thursday, May 4th, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance hosted our Downtown Experience Awards Dinner which serves to celebrate the advancement of Downtown Pittsburgh and honor three of its most impactful citizens. The event, which was held at Rivers Casino, saw over 300 business owners, local politicians, and Golden Triangle residents in attendance.

Led by emcee Falicia Woody from KDKA, the night kicked off with opening remarks from DNA executive director, John Valentine. He spoke to the potential for Pittsburgh to turn into a vibrant retail and restaurant district as well as the city’s short and long term plans to address issues such as homelessness, mental health, and gun violence.

He then bestowed local restaurateur, Alihan Hanoglu, with the DNA’s Business Person of the Year award. Hanoglu, who is originally from Turkey, saw success as a kickboxer before moving to Pittsburgh and opening his first restaurant, Giovanni’s Pizza and Pasta. Over the last 20 years, he has opened three more outstanding restaurants: Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Alihan’s Coffee and Breakfast, and Liberty Chick’n’Fish. He also owns a trucking company, Rizeli Logistics, and serves as the vice president of Askon, a Turkish-American business association. Hanoglu’s love for the Pittsburgh restaurant industry is apparent and he proudly says his “heart will always be on Sixth Street.”

Mayor Ed Gainey then presented Sabrina Saunders Mosby with the DNA’s Non-Profit Person of the Year award. Known for being a “futuristic thought leader and workplace inclusion catalyst”, Saunders Mosby serves as president and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit focused on promoting workplace diversity and inclusion. A native Pittsburgher, she holds public service close to her heart and is on the board of local organizations like the Pittsburgh Women’s Alliance, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and Oakland Catholic High School. She has also been the recipient of prestigious awards such as Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Ebony Magazine’s Top 30, and Pittsburgh Business Times’ 100 List.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald then took to the stage to present Congressman Mike Doyle with the Public Servant of the Year award. Congressman Doyle represented and served the Pittsburgh region in Congress for 14 terms, one of the longest serving members in Pennsylvania history. During his time in Congress, he focused on advancing Pittsburgh through economic development, job creation, improving public education, and addressing global warming. He has also served on the Energy and Commerce Committee. After his time in Congress, he joined K&L Gates as a Government Affairs Counselor in their Public Policy practice.

A special thank you to our sponsors and Rivers Casino for helping make this event possible. To stay up to date on the DNA’s future events including Best Restaurants, Monte Carlo Night, and Third Tuesday Happy Hour, follow us on social media or check out our website for more information.

Above photos provided by Theresa Glenn Photography.