HUNTSVILLE — Main Street Alabama held its tenth annual Awards of Excellence Banquet on Aug. 17, at Stovehouse in Huntsville to celebrate the successes of local programs.
The event was sponsored by Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and Alfa Companies. Main Street Alabama’s President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth, and Assistant State Coordinator Trisha Black recognized projects and individuals who made significant contributions to their communities. The Awards of Excellence program highlighted the tremendous impacts of these honorees in their respective areas.
Jasper Main Street received Awards of Excellence recognition in these categories:
• Public/Private Partnerships for Trolley on Main (TOM)
• Business Promotion for Downtown Music Crawl
• Business Development for Downtown Incentives
• Non-Historic Building Design for Elle Luxe
• Reinvestment of over $20 Million
In addition, Curt Ballard was selected as a Main Street Hero for his outstanding contribution to the Jasper Main Street program and was recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet.
Ballard is the Executive Manager for Carl Cannon Chevrolet Buick GMC in Jasper and serves as the Vice-President of Jasper Main Street.
“Curt leads the organization in making financial decisions that will impact Jasper Main Street for years to come, said Mike Putman, JMS Executive Director. “Most recently, he took the lead role on a loan proposal breakdown for the building Jasper Main Street has recently purchased, that will become our new permanent home.
“Even though his dealership is located outside the district, he understands and places great value on the revitalization of Downtown Jasper through all of his resources,” Putman added.
The banquet was a night of celebration and recognition for the hard work put in by these Main Street programs. The Awards of Excellence Banquet is a highlight of LAB, a three-day annual conference that bolsters the efforts of communities participating in the nationally acclaimed Main Street program or those communities interested in district revitalization. The tenth annual event drew over 150 community leaders from Alabama.
“Last week, a celebration was held to recognize the achievements of various local Main Street programs, said Wirth. “Each community has been working tirelessly to improve, reinvigorate, and revitalize their downtown or district. The success stories shared at the event were truly inspiring, showcasing the dedication of businesses, organizations, and individuals in making their communities the best they can be.”
Main Street Alabama has 32 Designated Programs and 32 Network Communities. Alexander City, Anniston, Athens, Atmore, Birmingham’s Historic 4th Ave 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, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro, South Huntsville, Russellville, Talladega, and Wetumpka each have Designated Programs. Communities interested in downtown revitalization can participate in Main Street Alabama’s Network.
Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization focusing 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.
