Providing Safe and Clean Services for Downtown Louisville

Jun ran into Rob and Derek on Main St. Fantastic ambassadors for Louisville! Great guys and a joy to speak with.

Jim from Huntsville, Alabama

I wanted to reach out and let you know what a great impression Rob, Solomon, and Derrick made on us during our recent visit to Louisville. We met them while they were working and they went above and beyon to provide us with fantastic recommendations for local eats and sites to visit. As visitors from DC, their suggestions were incredibly helpful and made our trip even more enjoyable. Please pass along our thanks and kudos to the 'three amigos' - they're a credit to your team!

Angela, from DC

I just wanted to say some meaningful collaboration just took place. The young girl picked up by Q and David at 5th and Market is at the ReCenter, we're helping do an intake to Sycamore Farms, and they are getting her an emergency shelter stay for tonight. She's got a place for 60-90 days and then they get her into housing.

n/a

I wanted  to let you know that these two guys were particularly helpful Saturday afternoon when I had questions about a group of senior adults who will becoming on a tour to spend 3 days in town. They were patient, friendly and offered input without  my having to drag it out of them.  They should be commended. Nice representation of your program!

Deb

I wanted to pass along a downtown negative that turned into a downtown positive. On my way to lunch last week I noticed that someone had turned over most of the garbage cans on Main Street between 4th and 5th. It could have been a larger area. I don’t know. It was a case of meanness by someone obviously deranged. When I got to 4th and Jefferson, I stopped the first Ambassador I saw and pointed out the situation. He indicated it was just called in and it would be addressed immediately. It was a positive action that bolds well for the Ambassador program. There’s no telling how long this would have been in-place without the program. Overall, they continue to be a very positive thing for the CBD.

Kelly

Hello! I spent the last 5 days in downtown Louisville. Went for business, stayed to see Jamey Johnson at the Palace and enjoy the downtown area in between. I was so super impressed with the Ambassadors. I travel a fair amount for business and pleasure and believe every large city should do something similar! When I arrived in Louisville, I was impressed with how clean the downtown area is – I stayed right on 4th I didn't use my car after I handed it over to the valet and didn't stray too far from the area between River& Mohamad Ali Blvd, 2nd & 6th Sts – except to walk over the bridge - but it was very clean. During my stay I interacted with at least 6 ambassadors. Sometimes as little as a little chit chat at a don't walk sign to as extensive as an 11PM escort through an area where some young men where hanging out – not causing trouble but definitely looking a bit sketchy - the ambassador, I didn't catch his name, just walked along with me from one cross walk to the next, chatting away, it was very casual. I also sought out an ambassador – not hard to do – each night to ask where to eat dinner. They directed me to some fabulous dining! My favorite though and the reason I am sending this shout out is for Big D, who was so fun and friendly, told me so much about the city and about the Ambassadors, he recommended all kinds of places to go to shop, eat & see – he was just such an overwhelmingly positive representation of the city! He declined a tip but deserves a bonus! Thank you so much for providing this fabulous team of people to help strangers feel at home!

Tina

On Sunday Aug 24th I was travling through Louisville. I needed gas before finding a gaming room I promised the kids on our drive home. As we pulled in the Shell station on 3rd street downtown we noticed the place we were going was directly behind the gas station. As we parked Mr. D (Derrick) aproached us introducing himself. We needed no help and shared with him how lucky we were to find the businees where we were going right where we had gotten gas. He was very nice and showed great hospitality welcoming us to the city. The kids took a picture with him as well. I think this is a great program for the city and will seek Ambassadors out whenever I am in Louisville.

Jason

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for the support I received this past weekend when I was involved in a car accident while visiting from out of town. Charles went above and beyond by staying with me the entire time to make sure I was safe. His presence made my situation a hundred times better—I know I would have been so scared if it hadn’t been for his kindness and reassurance. Derrick was also such a huge help, working alongside Charles to ensure I was okay and even assisting me with getting my belongings out of my car and into my hotel room. Since I wasn’t from the area and suddenly needed a place to stay, that support meant the world to me. Because of Charles and Derrick, what could have been one of my worst days ended up being so much more manageable. I will truly be forever grateful to them, and I don’t think I could ever repay them for everything they did for me. Thank you again for having such incredible ambassadors on your team.

Camille

I wanted to take a moment to thank Solo and Big D, they saw that I was looking a little lost this morning during the humana community day and we talked for a minute. It was a kind and considerate interaction, small things add up!

Matthew

My wife and I had a wonderful interaction with one of your downtown ambassadors last week. His name is Derek. It was our first time visiting downtown Louisville and he made us feel very welcomed. I applaud this program.

John

I couldn’t see anywhere online to leave a comment, but I just wanted to say that Derreck and Q greeted us today and they were amazing! We flew in from the UK yesterday, and while walking around today we were saying how clean the area was, right before we met two of your team. It’s an amazing service to have and we really are lacking in anything like that over where we live. Amazing to see, amazing people to have met. Thank you to all of your team and all that you are doing for your local area!

Josh and Holly, Norfolk, UK

Thank you for providing safety tonight for a young teenager Have a blessed day

Roberta

I’m not sure if this is the right email to send but our company is downtown Louisville today doing a leadership challenge and Derrick was such a blessing for us to run into. He helped us with our leadership challenge and even helped us record a video about Modeling the Way that was so heartfelt. Huge kudos to Derrick for welcoming us to the city and helping us!

Devin

Derrick was DELIGHTFUL! He absolutely made our stay in Louisville. He has such a positive attitude and he truly enjoys spreading light and love to all visiting, working or living in the area. Thank you for that experience!!! We will be back!

Larry

Hi! I was downtown with a friend/coworker from out of town (Nebraska) and we were greeted by vhim know that I am actually a local but I also appreciate the work he is doing. We also chatted about how his work is not just about making sure people get the most out of their visit and feel welcome in downtown, but also to keep an eye out on safety concerns. Derrick is very obviously happy with his job and passionate about making sure people have a great experience when they visit downtown Louisville, and as a local I just wanted to give him his flowers with this note. Thank you!

Holly

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to express our unending gratitude in regards to the City's Ambassadors. Their daily presence has had such a positive impact on our morning and afternoon parent and student carpool. They all have a wonderful attitude and their presence is felt by our whole School community downtown.

Greg, Francis Parker School of Louisville

On behalf of my wife and I, we would like to inform you of an extremely positive experience we had vacationing in Louisville, KY for the first time. On our first day in the city, we met Derrick, Louisville Ambassador, who greeted us, helped us feel welcome and briefly informed us of the website, things to do and places to eat. He was very helpful, and our uncertainties were minimized. We are from Indianapolis, IN. From this point forward, we will visit Louisville and recommend it to others as a direct result of our experience in your city starting with Derrick.

Willie, Indianapolis, IN

I just wanted to pay a compliment to a young man on the Ambassador Team that was so sweet and helpful today. His name is Robert. I was putting new plants in my urns on Main Street and making a mess, which I would have cleaned up - but he came over and offered to help. He was beyond polite and so very nice!

Patricia

Driving in around 10a this morning, I misjudged the snow hump heading into the parking garage (Cowgill on 4th) and my car got stuck. Within minutes of my jumping out, wondering what on earth I was going to do, a lady (an Ambassador – I believe) who was working across the street with a shovel came over to help me. Shortly thereafter, several other Ambassadors arrived on scene and started digging my car out – all very cheerful and helpful. Then, three of these Good Samaritans pushed my car back into the street and cleared the rest of the snow so that I was able to drive into the garage without any further ado. Needless to say, I am so grateful for their help. I’m sorry that I didn’t get anyone’s name, but hopefully someone will remember digging out the British lady with the electric car on 4th this morning. They deserve all the kudos, as they were wonderful!

Sophie

I am genuinely grateful for the ambassadors who support downtown Louisville. Just a short while ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Laquisha near my office at 400 West Market. Despite the challenging weather conditions, she was ensuring the sidewalks were safe by clearing away the snow and ice. It is no small feat when the temperature is a windy twenty degrees outside. The dedication of Laquisha and the entire team makes downtown a welcoming place by keeping it clean, safe, and visitor-friendly. One thing I have consistently observed about the ambassadors is their unwavering commitment to making downtown inviting with their warm helping spirits. Your team's efforts make a positive difference in people's lives.

Lee, Downtown business

My wife and I are visiting from out of state and had the pleasure to stop and chat with Derrick and Daryl on 6th and Market St this morning. He was busy clearing snow and ice from the walkways. He told us about places to explore in this wonderful city and was very pleasant and welcoming. I travel for work often and I have never ran into a "city ambassador" such a great concept, will definitely speak highly of him and this city. Thank you again for making us feel welcomed and helping us to better enjoy our experience!

Thomas & Summer

Demario and DB were incredible today. I am visiting from Charleston, SC, and I forgot my jacket. DB was so sweet in noticing that I looked lost and cold (I was) and he instructed Demario to take me to a shop where I could buy a jacket. Demario waited with me at the store te whole time, and escorted me back! These two gentlemen alone make me want to move here! 

Valerie

One of your associates, Derrick, was an absolute delight to get to know and interact with as he served me and many others on the streets of Downtown Louisville with humility, kindness, competency, and a great attitude. He cared genuinely and deeply for his role and it was evident in the profuse commitment he exuded as he interacted with visitors such as I, and the traffic that he was helping to efficiently manage. Thanks in advance for your time, consideration, and commitment to continue to develop and invest into servant leaders like Derrick!

Abel from Houston

I had the pleasure of being helped by an angel that appeared out of no where to help me walk down the street that was a sheet of ice. He saved me from falling. Escorted me to safety. What a great person that takes his job serious. He seen me struggling and ran to my rescue. He was confident and talked to me the whole way. I didn’t get his name but it was on last Saturday feb 7 close to the river. He told us how to get where we wanted to go and even ask us if we wanted him to walk us there.

Blanca

Last week, my family and I were visiting your fine city for a Garfield Gathering and we were doing some sightseeing in June. We were at the end of Main Street and were looking around, apparently looking a tad bit unsure of where we were going next. Your sweet ambassador Charles rode up on his trusty steed (aka his bike) with his orange shirt and nametag in all its glory and asked us if he could help us find something or if we needed assistance. We were facing Caufield’s just under the bridge, so we asked him exactly what that place was (we were, of course, intrigued by the skull and the bat on the building!) He told us it was a novelty and costume shop and that we should stop in, as it had all sorts of fun things to look at. He was so friendly and had he not stopped, I’m not sure if we would have ventured in. Needless to say, it was one of the highlights of our day and of our trip!

Thank you again for having such a great ambassador program for tourists like us and please make sure to tell Charles thank you from The Ellis Family from Texas – it is much appreciated!

The Ellis Family

I would just like to compliment your Louisville Downtown ambassador J. D. I met him at the Downton YMCA, and I have had the privilege of speaking with him since. He is always helpful, sincere and knowledgeable. A terrific ambassador for Louisville and a great program.

Beryl

I have never been so thankful for Charles and Kameron! I drove from Lexington for an event downtown with my 5 year old. When getting out of the parking garage I didn’t see which one I was in due to it pouring down rain. When I went to leave the event I couldn’t find the correct parking garage. I searched 3 on my own before finding Charles and Kameron who walked me to 3 more before I found the right one. I was on the verge of tears. I don’t know what I would have done without their help!!! I am forever so grateful. I just wanted to say thank you and that they were a blessing.

Rachael

I live downtown. Kameron and Anthony were making their rounds in the rain at 4th and Market this afternoon around 3:00 as I was out for a run. I stopped and told them how much I appreciate seeing them. Despite the rain and generally disagreeable weather conditions, they were exceptionally friendly and pleasant.

I see your ambassadors often and their recently increased presence makes downtown a MUCH better place. Thanks for having friendly folks like Anthony and Kameron visibly present on our streets.


Jim, Downtown resident

I just wanted to share a note of appreciation for the Downtown Ambassadors. We have one in our area named Wayne who, each morning, actively works to move away unwanted guests from our area. For example, this morning, our guest was walking back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the school door and Wayne called him across the street and got him to move along for long enough for us to get students in the building and school underway. Wayne cares about kids and really looks out for us. Another Ambassador named Isaiah introduced himself to me this morning and was very positive and friendly. We just really appreciate their presence and their attitude - it is a bright spot in this difficult situation. Please pass along our gratitude!

Suzanne

I was in downtown Louisville last Friday for a work event. I got a chance to meet Mr. Anthony. Mr. Anthony was very helpful and shared a little about the LDP. What a pleasure it was to meet him and watch him take pride in his work and helping others. Great job Louisville, I hope other cities will adopt this program.


Claressa from Columbus, Ohio

My wife and I spent the night in Louisville this week. We've traveling east by car and needed a place to stay.

We'd never been to the city before and didn't know anything about it.

We met JD in the lobby of our hotel and he was incredibly helpful. He made the city come alive for us and even though we were only in the city for the morning, it's now on our short list of places to visit next time we travel. All thanks to JD.

Ken

This is my first visit to Louisville Kentucky. In a few occasions JD had warmly greeted us and went out of his way to explain to us the best places to enjoy our time here.

We congratulate you on this initiative to have Downtown Ambassadors to welcome visitors to your beautiful city.

Jose from Puerto Rico

I wanted to let you know that my wife and I spent some time on the belvedere behind near the Galt house where we met JD. He is a very impressive young man. We talked and he told us about the program and his understanding of the local history. We also learned that the statues looking at each other had a connection to each other in history. He was very impressive gentlemen, presented himself well and is a credit to your organization. It was obvious that he takes great pride in himself and your group. Good job finding such an impressive young man.

Wayne K.

Being a stranger in town, I was happy to see a friendly worker willing to help me out finding a convenience store in my area. With Derek’s help, I was able to get what I needed and find my way back to my hotel.

Thanks Louisville!

Kathy from Maryland

I wanted to reach out to you today to sing the praises of your Downtown Ambassadors, specifically George. They were all nothing but kind and professional. George, on the other hand, went above and beyond to assist us with whatever we needed that week. We quite literally would not have been as successful if it were not for him. He is one of the best memories I’ll have while completing this project. I just wanted to sing his praises, along with the rest of your employees.

Best Regards, Jessica M.

I just want to thank your guys for reaching out to me and returning my stolen wallet to me. I am forever grateful to them. Nice to see that there are still honest people out there.

Thanks so much. You have some good people at your business.

Laura D.

I wanted to let you know that Charlie and Robert were so helpful to me today during a very uncomfortable situation. There was an individual that had become extremely agitated; when I left the store, the gentlemen was now outside and the police had been called but had not arrived yet.

I must have looked rattled by the situation because Charlie and Robert came up to me – reassured me that they would not leave my side – asked where I was going and one of them was on each side of me until we reached my destination.
I have worked downtown for many years and not too many things bother me or make me feel that my safety is at risk. However, sometimes situations cause a response we are not prepared for and I was so glad to have Charlie and Robert to be a calming influence for me – they are perfect for this service they are providing.

Thank you.

Karen H.

Last week, I attended the Kentucky Bar Association Convention in downtown Louisville at the Convention Center.

On Wednesday, May 11, as I made my way to the Convention Center, I had the privilege of running into George and Brittany who were diligently working to keep the great city of Louisville pristine!

George and Brittany were working hard and I appreciate their commitment to keeping downtown Louisville beautiful. They are a delight and I wanted you to know!

Keep up the good work!

Best, Alison L. G.

Just want to commend your organization & especially your worker, George, on the upkeep of Louisville. We are impressed with its cleanliness & friendliness. The flowers that line the streets are beautiful. Good job George and the rest of your organization.

This is our 1st visit and we hope to return.

Wally & Lorraine G.

I wish to report that my wife and I had a very positive experience with three of your team yesterday while visiting downtown attractions. All three were positive, happy and seemed eager to be of assistance. It is obvious they enjoy what they are doing!

Jim and Barbara S. from AZ

I met George 2 weeks ago when I was making a sales call in downtown Louisville and noticed his attention to detail for keeping downtown clean. George and I spoke briefly, and I asked him if I could pass along a good word for his work to his boss. He handed me your business card.

Not often enough do we see employees working to make things better in the public; however, George was happy, personable, friendly and courteous toward me. I thanked him for a job well done. I am grateful to see the work he was doing for the best impression for the downtown area.

I have worked in the hospitality business 30+ years and want to express my gratitude to you and your team members. How wonderful it is to watch someone “care” about the impression he can make doing their job willingly as well as being a friendly to a visitor like me.

Kind Regards, Kelly B.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the Louisville Downtown Ambassador program. The hospitality of Louisville is one of a kind and the Ambassador program is definitely unique.
My husband and I are both retired and do a lot of traveling. We were in Louisville last week and happened to be here during the events for Muhammad Ali.
During our stay, we crossed paths with Mr. Nike a few times. Let me just tell you how great of a person you have for your company!
We ran into Nike while he was removing some graffiti, and he approached us with a big smile and asked us how we were and what brought us to town.
He gave us some recommendations on places to eat and some history about some of the city. The next day we saw him again, removing graffiti, and he called us out by our names and asked how the restaurant was he recommended. We asked him why he was removing graffiti and he told us he’s making Louisville a cleaner place, curious,we asked him how much he removed and he told us around 70 graffiti tags. We were both shocked and appreciated him for his hard work and dedication.
You have a great worker in Nike; the charisma, kindness, and engagement he gives helped us enjoy our stay. Thank you all so much!

Sincerely, Charlotte L

Just wanted to let ya'll know how much I appreciate Mr. Nike!!! My daughter and I were caught in the rain without an umbrella and your ambassador was right behind us and walked us FIVE blocks in the rain to our car!! I am so thankful he was around when he was! Thanks again, Nike! :)

Janet W.

Just ran into Ralph and George on 4th Street. They are doing a great job, welcoming and talking to visitors (and a native) in the city.

Patty D.

Just wanted to drop you a note to say how much I appreciate the work your downtown Ambassadors do. I’ve worked in the West Main Street district for almost 7 years now and it’s always ship-shape. Plus, your ambassadors add a friendly vibe that can’t be beat. I got your mail from a gentleman named George, by the way. I stopped to thank him for being on the job a few days ago and asked how I could spread the love up the line. Keep up the good work!

Kudos, Craig F.

A big thank you for keeping the streets clean in Louisville, I’m visiting from California and very impressed with how clean the streets are and how friendly everyone is, and a shout out to George. He is a great ambassador for the city.

Thank You, Sally L.

This is a thank you to your ambassadors for returning our Gallapalooza horse to its place in front of the Leadership Louisville Center offices on West Main Street. Last night, someone moved "Louie" across the street to a location in front of the Kentucky Science Center. A security guard noticed Louie there about 4:00 a.m.
I called your office this afternoon and spoke with Monique. Before I knew it, the ambassadors had moved Louie across Main Street and stopped in the office to let me know. Louie is quite popular with visitors to this area of West Main Street and is photographed on a daily basis - particularly this time of year - so we’re glad to have him back.
So a big thanks to your team - we really appreciate their assistance and presence in downtown Louisville!

Mary Beth H.

I normally do not answer calls to my cell phone that I don’t recognize, but I am very glad I did today on my lunch break. I work in the Meidinger tower on the corner of 4th St. and Muhammad Ali. I was having lunch at the Sports and Social Club when I received the call from this unknown number. When I answered, a gentleman who introduced himself as Adrian calling from the Downtown Ambassadors and he stated he was at the Family Allergy and Asthma Center downtown and asked for my wife Danielle. Confused I said that I was her husband and asked if there was anything I might be able to help with. He then proceeded to tell me that a set of keys had been turned into the Downtown Partnership and that the only identifiable item on the key ring was my sons shot record for the Asthma center and that it pulled up my wife’s name and cell number he was calling. I began checking my pockets for the keys I was sure I had with me, only to discover that I didn’t have the keys I had arrived downtown with this morning. I asked Adrian if I could meet him somewhere to get the keys and told him where I was, he said he was just a few blocks away and would meet me at S&SC to get my keys to me. Now as I mentioned I work at 4th street live but I park way down 3rd street across from the porter paints and the only thing I can think is that I was running across Broadway on my way in this morning and the keys must have fallen out of my pocket. Adrian said that someone had turned the keys in and he was the one who thought to go to the Asthma office downtown here to try to find who they belonged to. I can’t express how thankful I am that he went above and beyond what was expected of him to locate me. Had I gone the rest of the day not realizing I had lost my keys it would have caused a lot of stress for me and my family. The key for our car alone to be re-cut is $450.00 I feel that he deserves to be recognized in some way for his efforts if not given a raise or promotion as he clearly deserves it. I don’t know many people who would have gone to the length he did to locate me but as I’ve said already I am so very glad he did. Keep up the great work down there at the Downtown Partnership. It’s nice to see you guys around down here and now if we need help there is someone there who cares.
Mr. Adrian Hill thank you again for getting those keys to me, Sir! I’ll never forget it!

Sincerely, Jonathan H.

I wanted to notify you about the tremendous job Ambassador Adrian Hill is doing daily. Adrian is always delivering the Louisville Maps, assisting with hotel guests with a pleasant attitude, smiling face, giving directions, and ready for any & all tasks. I noticed he was coming in twice as much and at times, sometimes three times as much. I asked him, "Why?"
Adrian notified, "One of our ambassadors is gone and another one is sick."
I told him. "If you’re doing twice the work, you need to make twice the pay."
He is exceptional and lifts my spirit every time I see him. I believe he deserves a raise. Adrian is an asset to your company and will make an excellent supervisor. Thank you for giving us your Best only. Have a great week.

Thank you, Alaina W.

I just wanted to thank Nike S. again for assisting me with navigation back to my hotel room. I ended up pretty lost trying to find my way back to the downtown Marriott. He appeared at just the right time and was very gracious, professional and courteous. I was very impressed with the service provided to downtown walkers who may find themselves in a similar situation. I think I feel a little more confident now navigation the streets of Louisville thanks to Nike.

Yours from Omaha, Joan E.

On Thursday, 2-23-17, Mr. Sites found my wallet in the vicinity of Sixth & Jefferson. He went above and beyond what I would have expected. He called Kroger's and Chase Visa, and was able to get my home phone number, and after I got off work agreed to meet me @ 10:00PM to return my wallet, which contained everything still on it. He showed great initiative. It was outstanding to meet Mr. Stites. His honesty and concern for me was touching. Please let him know I sent this message.

John F.