Jasper Main Street is excited to announce it was recognized for its impactful work at the thirteenth annual Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence Banquet held in Enterprise, Alabama last week. The event was sponsored by Energy Southeast and the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area.
The Awards of Excellence committee selected Jasper Main Street for recognition for:
- Jasper Welcome Center & Museum in Public/Private Partnerships – exceptional partnerships between the Man Street and community entities both public and private.
- Jasper Sculpture Trail in Public Art – public art that deliberately integrates art and culture into community revitalization efforts.
- Christmas in Downtown Jasper & Candy Cane Trail in Image & Identity – exceptional marketing efforts to promote the district and improve perceptions of the downtown district.
“This event is a wonderful reminder of why this work matters,” said Mary Helmer Wirth, Main Street Alabama’s President and State Coordinator. “It is an honor for me to present the awards and seeing the pride each community has in its Main Street district was truly inspiring. Our local Main Street programs are doing meaningful work across Alabama, and the Main Street Four-Point Approach continues to help communities build on what makes them special while preserving the places that tell their story.”
“It has been an honor to serve Jasper Main Street under the guidance of Main Street Alabama, said Mike Putman, executive director of Jasper Main Street. “The awards are always nice, but the true reward lies in the work we have accomplished together—the progress we have made, the relationships we have built, and the impact we have had on Jasper. That, to me, is where the real award resides.”
Each local program also selected a Main Street Hero that recognized an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution to the program. These Heroes were recognized at the Toast to Heroes Reception sponsored by Regions Bank prior to the banquet.
“Jasper Mayor, Josh Gates was chosen as our Main Street Hero this year for his unwavering support, dedication and positive impact to Jasper Main Street and the city of Jasper,” said Putman.
Since Jasper Main Street’s designation in 2015, the Downtown District has seen significant changes including thriving businesses, generating over $33.26 million in private investments (new construction, rehabilitation of existing property and property sales) with over 428 new jobs created. The downtown district has also benefited from over $17.52 million in public investments (municipal infrastructure improvements and construction) and has become a vibrant backdrop for many year-round events.
With a mission to preserve and enhance the historic charm and integrity of our community, while encouraging local spending, tourism, and a sense of community, Jasper Main Street has grown a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission.
Main Street Alabama is a non-profit organization which stresses public-private partnerships, broad community engagement, and strategies that create jobs, spark new investment, attract visitors, and spur growth in core commercial districts. Main Street builds on the authentic history, culture, and attributes of specific places, to bring sustainable change. For a list and location of all 36 Designated and 34 Network Main Street Alabama communities, visit mainstreetalabama.org/our-communities/. WL
