On August 15, Main Street Alabama hosted its eleventh annual Awards of Excellence banquet at the Community House in Monroeville to celebrate the successes of local programs. The event was sponsored by the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and the University of West Alabama Department of Economic and Workforce Development. Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth and Assistant State Coordinator Trisha Black recognized projects and individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.
The Awards of Excellence program highlighted the tremendous impact these award winners have made in their respective fields.
The Awards of Excellence recognized winners in the categories of capital campaign, public-private partnerships, volunteer development, advertising, marketing, business promotion, business development, placemaking, real estate activation, non-historic building design, planning and public spaces, and historic rehabilitation.
Local Main Street programs also selected a Main Street Hero, honoring an individual, business or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their program and was recognized at the pre-banquet “Toast to Heroes” reception sponsored by Regions Bank.
LaFayette Main Street was awarded this year’s highly competitive Business Promotion Award for its annual business promotion campaign, “LaFayette Shines.” DeAnna Hand, Executive Director of LaFayette Main Street, and Ansley Emfinger, Board Member, accepted the award on behalf of LaFayette Main Street at the banquet.
Main Street Programs also selected a Main Street Hero, honoring an individual, business or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their program and was honored at the Toast to Heroes reception. George Green, LaFayette Streets, Sanitation and Cemetery Director, and his department received the Hero Award on behalf of the City of LaFayette. We are also very pleased to honor George Green and his staff along with City of LaFayette Executive Director DeAnna Hands.
“Last night’s event was a heartwarming celebration of the remarkable achievements of our local Main Street programs,” Wirth said. “The inspiring success stories shared at the event truly highlighted the essence of community spirit and collaboration. They are a testament to the effectiveness of Main Street’s four-point approach in promoting economic development and preserving historic areas.”
Main Street Alabama has 33 designated programs and 29 network communities. Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Atmore, Birmingham’s 4th Ave Historic Business District, Birmingham’s Woodlawn District, Calera, Centreville, Columbiana, Decatur, Demopolis, Elba, Enterprise, Eufaula, Florence, Foley, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Heflin, Jasper, LaFayette, Leeds, Marion, Monroeville, Montevallo, Montgomery, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro, South Huntsville, Russellville, Talladega and Wetumpka each have designated programs.
