OPRD release – SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street, which is part of Oregon Heritage, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, announced its 2022 “Excellence on Main” award winners during the annual Main Street conference on October 5th in Klamath Falls. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhoods across the state. A total of 12 projects, activities and people were recognized with an Excellence on Main Award and two certificates were given in recognition of volunteer service. The twelve partners, projects, activities, and businesses honored are: Bricks and Mortar Award: The Natty Dresser, Albany; Leadership on Main Award: Mary Ann Miesner, La Grande; Business of the Year: LiveEdge Eco Salon, Oregon City; Best Mixed-Use Building: Heritage Properties, Estacada; Best Adaptive Reuse: The Local, La Grande; Volunteer of the Year: Hannah Darling, Albany; Board Member of the Year: Heather Miller, McMinnville; Creative Placemaking Project: AntFarm and Harmony Gardens, Estacada; Open Door Award: Family Pride Day, Lebanon; Outstanding Promotion, Virtual Oregon Trail Game Run, Oregon City; Outstanding Special Project: Brickyard Lanes, La Grande; Main Street Executive Director of the Year: Rebecca Hollenbeck, West Linn. In addition, two individuals were acknowledged with a Volunteers on Main certificate for their above and beyond contributions to their communities. These individuals are: Connie Redmond, Estacada; Peggy Udolf, Albany. The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network. “In 2021, we saw how our Oregon Main Streets stepped up and helped their communities navigate through the challenges brought on by two years of economic downturn,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “Through innovative projects, community centric programs, and renovations focused on historic preservation, main streets have improved their communities and enhanced their quality of life. Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.
