Main Street Awards - Southern IL
Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announced the winners of the 2007 Lt. Governor�s Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization at the closing banquet of the 14th annual Illinois Main Street Conference, held in Danville�s David S. Palmer Arena.
�These awards recognize the very best work by Illinois towns and cities to promote economic growth, tourism, historic preservation, and civic democracy in their downtown business districts,� Quinn said. �I am proud to salute these members of the Illinois Main Street Program for their efforts, and I know the good example they set will benefit communities throughout the Land of Lincoln.�
The awards ceremony was the highlight of the Illinois Main Street Conference, held at the Danville Masonic Center, 109 W. North St. Nearly 300 Main Street leaders, volunteers and local officials attended the conference.
This year�s theme, �Main Street for All Seasons � Strategies for Sustainability,� was underscored by the keynote address, �Moving Beyond Change,� presented by Springfield-based consultant Kevin Lust. Other presenters offered expert advice on marketing, promotions, public relations, and historic preservation.
Illinois Main Street represents one of the state's most effective public-private partnerships for economic development and community renewal. Since its inception, designated communities have reported net gains of more than 1,600 new downtown businesses and created more than 6,000 new full and part-time jobs. The Main Street program has spurred the reinvestment of more than $575 million in Main Street downtowns.
2007 Main Street Award Recipients
Lt. Governor�s Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization
(Communities in alphabetical order)
Benton
Downtown Benton Inc. won the Public Improvements Award for its role in converting a rubble-strewn eyesore � the site of the old Capitol Theater � into a public park that will serve the Benton community for decades to come.
Hardin County
Hardin County Main Street won the Volunteer Activity Award for its first annual volunteer recognition dinner, which recognized the hard work of community members while promoting Hardin County Main Street as a strong, viable organization.
Mt. Vernon
The Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation won the Special Event or Festival Award for �The District After 5 Residential Tour � A Place to Hang Your Hat,� which promoted downtown Mt. Vernon as a lively and pleasant place to live.
Vandalia
Vandalia Main Street entered the elite ranks of Illinois Main Street as a Premier Program and won the New Business Success Story Award for its support of Fit Chix.
The business, established by local entrepreneur Lisa Jordan as a tanning center, moved downtown and expanded to include a women-only fitness center. With the support of Vandalia Main Street, Fit Chix has become a district anchor and has brought the neighborhood alive.