Main Street Alabama celebrated local program successes at the fourth annual Awards for Excellence on the day that Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed Main Street Alabama Day. The day recognizes the efforts of the organization that is focused on creating jobs and keeping the character in communities across the state. During the Awards of Excellence program, Main Street Alabama’s President and State Coordinator, Mary Helmer, honored 50 projects and individuals that made tremendous impacts in their respective communities.  Alabama Municipal Electric Authority sponsored the event that was held at the Sweetwater Depot in Florence.

 “It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding community projects, leaders, and volunteers,” said Helmer.  “Today's award winners represent the most innovative downtown revitalization projects in our Main Street Alabama communities.   These projects are truly charting new territory in downtown revitalization in Alabama.  The effort and leadership it takes to move these projects from concept through completion is tremendous and we are thrilled to acknowledge such achievements. We are especially honored to be presenting these awards the day Governor Ivey proclaimed Main Street Alabama Day.” 

Downtown Gadsden Inc., Executive Director, Kay Moore, was honored with the Main Street Alabama Leadership Award.  “Kay Moore is a proven leader in her community,” stated Helmer, “but what people may not know is that she serves as a mentor to many communities interested in downtown revitalization.   Our friend, Kay Moore, is a gifted Main Street professional and a sincere promoter of all that is good in Alabama.”

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Awards are as follows:

Community Award - Steve Gilbert

Excellence in Fundraising – Downtown Music Festival

Excellence in Architectural Design  – Houndstooth Holdings, LLC; 512 Chestnut Street

Excellence in Planning & Public Space  – Downtown Clock and Flower Beautification

Excellence in Historic Preservation  – Pitman Theater Neon Sign

Main Street Alabama Leadership Award - Kay Moore

The Awards of Excellence Banquet is a highlight of the aLABama Downtown Laboratory, a three-day conference that bolsters the efforts of communities participating in the nationally acclaimed Main Street program or those communities interested in downtown revitalization.  The fourth annual event drew 133 community leaders from cities across the state.

Main Street Alabama has 21 Designated Programs and 36 Downtown Network Communities.  Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Birmingham, Columbiana, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Eufaula, Florence, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Heflin, Jasper, Marion, Monroeville, Montevallo, Opelika, Oxford, Selma and Wetumpka each have Designated Programs and new communities will be added annually.  Applications to become a Designated Program will be available in Spring 2018. Until then, communities interested in downtown revitalization can participate in Main Street Alabama's Downtown Network.

Main Street Alabama focuses on bringing jobs, dollars, and people back to Alabama’s historic communities.  Economic development is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.