The Phoenix Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

is being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Georgetown Business Association’s 2011 Senior Advisory Luncheon today.

“It was quite a surprise, and a lovely honor” to be recognized said Sharon Hays, one of the owners of the Georgetown shop.

The Phoenix, a retail store which carries a large number of items from Mexico, was founded in 1955. The store, located on Wisconsin Avenue, is owned and operated by the Hays family and has been since it first opened.

“The store began as a love affair with the vibrant folk art, fine art, jewelry and home décor of Mexico. Now, The Phoenix also features contemporary women’s clothing, and fine jewelry from around the world,” according to the store’s website, www.thephoenixdc.com.

Each year the GBA chooses a business from the Georgetown area to receive this award. Members of the Board of Directors each nominate businesses and then a voting process begins, usually about three months before the luncheon, said GBA president Joe Giannino.

“[We chose The Phoenix] based on input from the Board and their very long and good standing in the community we wanted to honor them. We look strongly at length of time and what contributions they have made to the community from a business prospective,” Giannino said.

John and Sharon Hays now own the store, which was opened by John’s parents Betty and Bill. They feel that receiving this award is indicative of the business' relationship with the Georgetown community.

“We have special relationship with Georgetown. A large percentage of our customers are local, of course. Many come into The Phoenix because they feel right at home in our store, they know us, John and Sharon, and our daughter, Samantha, and, of course, our great staff — and know that they will be well taken care of,” Sharon Hays said.