The top Daytonians of 2017

"People don't realize how great they have it here in Dayton. You have to travel a lot to understand that. I live north and really love it here — no traffic issues, and I love the airport being so close. We are picking up direct flights all the time, and that's nice for weekend getaways."

Emmy: "People should know that Dayton is so lucky to have so many places to get outside, get active, explore and have local adventures right here. You don't need to spend tons of money or move to Denver: you could do a local bike touring trip on the nation's largest paved trail network, go whitewater kayaking on our national water trail system, or rent a bike at MetroParks Mountain Bike Area (MoMBA) and ride in the woods, or do a weekend backpacking trip on the Twin Valley Trail. The opportunities are endless! Dayton's got it going on. And I just love seeing the reaction on people's faces when you tell them all of the things that they can experience here."

Katie: "Don't assume the perception you have of Dayton from five years ago holds true today. If you think there isn't something fun to do in Dayton for any age, on any day, then you're not looking hard enough. Also, Dayton isn't perfect, but if you see a challenge, ask yourself how can you work together with others to start addressing that challenge. We all have to take pride in where we live or work, and actively work to make it even better."

Terry: "The Oregon District has always been a popular and successful business and entertainment destination and neighborhood of Dayton for the last 30 years. The recent explosion of additional interest and investment in the district and the whole downtown Dayton area bodes well. It all points to a future center city of multiple choices of where to live, work and play in a dynamic urban center for the Miami Valley region."

"Dayton has faced a lot of challenges as a community but what inspires me is the sheer number of individuals committed to making it better. Everywhere you look are small business owners working hard to get by because they are passionate about our city. It's that dedication and loyalty that continuously amazes me."

"Faux, forced, urban environments are being rejected by millennials. We're moving downtown, we're moving closer to cool amenities we can walk or ride a bike to and there's huge potential in this trend. 'Outsiders' should start more businesses and offices in this space because it's only going to grow."

Jasmine: "We really are showing our people the importance of supporting each other... We are black women and we are working together."

"I got me a big boy job when I was about 20 years old and stayed here. I did the family thing. I moved away briefly to Daytona. (I) came back. I like it here in Dayton. I like the Belmont area. I like to bring our neighborhoods back."

(Dayton) is small enough to get around and yet unique in the gem of restaurants we have.

What inspires me about Dayton: "The many entrepreneurs I personally know in Dayton and its history of innovators with the visions and the willingness to see those visions through."

"We are salt of the Earth. We are the people who are grounded and know what's important about life and know that treating people with respect and kindness (is important).... I've always felt that the people I've met from Dayton are great people."