Monroeville, AL – On August 15, Main Street Alabama held its eleventh annual Awards of Excellence Banquet at the Community House in Monroeville, celebrating the achievements of local programs across the state. Sponsored by the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and the University of West Alabama Division of Economic Development and Workforce Development, the event brought together community leaders and stakeholders to recognize outstanding projects and individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.
Mary Helmer Wirth, President and State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama, and Trisha Black, Assistant State Coordinator, led the ceremony, highlighting the remarkable impacts of the honorees. The Awards of Excellence spanned various categories, including Capital Campaign, Public/Private Partnerships, Volunteer Development, Promotion, Marketing, Business Promotion, Business Development, Placemaking, Property Activation, Non-Historic Building Design, Planning and Public Spaces, and Historic Rehabilitation.
Local Main Street programs also had the opportunity to select a “Main Street Hero”—an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution to their community. These heroes were recognized during the Toast to Heroes Reception, sponsored by Regions Bank, which took place before the banquet. This year, the Anniston Police Department Community Relations Unit (CRU) was honored as Anniston’s Main Street Hero. Chief Bowles expressed his gratitude, stating, “We hear from prospective police officers that they want to help the community and make a difference. APD’s CRU is made up of officers who live by that. They dedicate their time and energy to making Anniston a better place. I am very appreciative of their service.”
Anniston also received state-wide recognition in several categories:
- Excellence in Planning and Public Spaces: City Market
- Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation: Sinclair Social
- Reinvestment Award: Over $60 Million
Karla Eden, Mainstreet Anniston Director, expressed her pride in the community’s achievements. “As the Mainstreet Anniston Director, I am thrilled to announce the prestigious accolades our community has received at the Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence. These awards highlight our collective dedication to revitalizing and preserving our city. Since some recipients were unable to attend the awards ceremony, we will proudly present these honors at our inaugural Mainstreet Anniston Small Business Awards and Banquet next month. This event will be a special moment to celebrate the hard work and achievements that are transforming our downtown into a vibrant and thriving community.”
The upcoming Mainstreet Anniston Small Business Awards and Banquet will provide another opportunity to recognize and celebrate the efforts that are helping to revitalize downtown Anniston and foster a stronger sense of community.
