On August 15, Main Street Alabama held 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 Alabama Municipal Electric Authority and University of West Alabama Division of Economic Development and Workforce Development. 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:
- Capital Campaigns for intense fundraising efforts
- Business Promotion for Downtown 90’s Bar Crawl
- Business Development for the City of Jasper & Alabama Power’s Free Downtown Wifi
- Non-Historic Building Design for Downtown Foods Building Reimagined into Alabama Back Institute
In addition, Holly Trawick was selected as a Main Street Hero for her years of outstanding contributions to the Jasper Main Street program and was recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet.
Trawick is currently the President of the Walker College Foundation and is involved with Jasper Main Street in various capacities. “She started as a volunteer graphic designer, helping with events downtown, said Mike Putman, JMS Executive Director. “Over time we encouraged her to join the board of directors, and she currently holds the positions of Secretary and chairman of the Design Committee. In addition, she is the designer of all the Veteran Banners posted throughout downtown Jasper each year.”
“Holly is not only a corporate donor and sponsor of Jasper Main Street projects and events, but she is also personally invested in the success of Jasper Main Street,” said Putman.
“Last night’s event was a heartwarming celebration of the remarkable achievements of our local Main Street programs,” said Wirth. “The inspiring success stories shared at the event truly highlighted the essence of community spirit and collaboration. It’s a testament to the effectiveness of Main Street’s Four-Point Approach in fostering economic development and preserving historic areas.”
With a mission to preserve and enhance the historic charm and integrity of our community, Jasper Main Street encourages local spending, tourism, and a sense of community. Jasper Main Street has grown a diverse group of volunteers and supporters dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission.
Main Street Alabama has 33 Designated Programs and 29 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, Montgomery, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro, South Huntsville, Russellville, Talladega, and Wetumpka each have Designated Programs.
Main Street Alabama is a non-profit 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.
