Norwich — The Global City Norwich program, which has hosted numerous international festivals and business training sessions, has received an Award of Excellence by the Connecticut Main Street Center.

Global City Norwich was recognized for its excellence in events and programming and was one of eight initiatives statewide to receive the award.

The annual Awards of Excellence was established in 2003 to “recognize outstanding projects, individuals and partnerships in community efforts to bring traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts back to life, socially and economically,” according to the Main Street center.

Global City Norwich, funded by the Chelsea Groton Bank Foundation, is a multiyear project to promote revitalization of downtown Norwich, celebrate the city’s ethnic diversity and assist entrepreneurs. Global City Norwich has partnered with the Norwich Community Development Corp. to provide business education programs to increase storefront occupancy in downtown.

“I can think of fewer programs more deserving of this award than Global City Norwich,” Michael Rauh, president and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, said in a news release announcing the award. “Stimulating economic activity in our historic downtown while engaging with broader cultural communities who call Norwich home is exactly what Chelsea Groton Foundation is proud to support.”

Over the last two years, the program has hosted more than a dozen cultural experiences in downtown Norwich, including festivals celebrating Peruvian, Polish, Dominican and Cape Verdean cultures.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Connecticut Main Street Center,” Global City Norwich liaison Suki Lagrito said in the news release. “But this recognition isn’t about our efforts, it’s really a testament to the cultures and communities that have embraced Global City and have supported us in enriching Norwich’s economic activity and have leaned into celebrating its overall vibrancy.”