Main Street Awards - Central IL
Link: http://www.standingupforillinois.org/feature.php?id=190
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)
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Main Street won four awards, including the Community Spirit Award presented to artist and Wall Dog Extravaganza coordinator Steve Varble.
�Steve Varble has great artistic talent and an equally great talent for getting things done,� Quinn said. �By coordinating the Jacksonville Main Street Wall Dog Extravaganza, he has contributed immeasurably to the beauty and vibrancy of his community.�
The Wall Dog Extravaganza won the Heritage Tourism Activity award, honoring the mural tour�s success in drawing visitors and sparking sales of countless cards, gifts and t-shirts.
The Business Improvement Success Story award went to Production Press, honoring Joe Racey for stepping in to save the company he had formerly owned after a printing giant announced plans to close the facility.
The Building Stewardship Award went to the Jacksonville Public Library, honoring the exquisite maintenance of the 1903 Classic Revival building, now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Springfield
Downtown Springfield Inc. and Del�s Popcorn Shop won the Retail Display Award, honoring the business� consistently attractive and interesting theme-based displays of �popcorn art� celebrating seasons, holidays and special events.
Taylorville