Metuchen, New Jersey © Lauren Beischer
Great American Main Street Award
Recognizing Exceptional Main Streets
Metuchen Downtown Alliance accepts their 2023 Great American Main Street Award. © mark manne photography/Main Street America
Leading by Example
Main Street America’s signature awards programs recognize and celebrate Main Street programs and leaders.
Click on the cards below to learn more about our awards programs and meet previous winners.
Wytheville, Virginia © Downtown Wytheville Inc.
Mary Means Leadership Award
Celebrating Outstanding Leaders
Royal Oak, Michigan © Royal Oak DDA
Main Street Forward Awards
Applauding Main Street Resiliency
Recent Recipients
2023 Great American Main Street Award
“Each organization’s story and work are unique, however the 2023 GAMSA winners all demonstrate excellence in creating welcoming downtowns through representative leadership, innovative programming, and inclusive economic development.”
- Hannah White, Main Street America Interim President & CEO (2022−2023)
River District Association in Danville, Virginia, is recognized for creating a fertile environment for economic vitality through exceptionally strong collaborative leadership and partnerships.
Danville, Virginia © Laura Ashworth
In Florence, South Carolina, Downtown Florence Main Street develops innovative and forward-thinking approaches to creating community buy-in through representative leadership and inclusive programming.
Florence, South Carolina © Downtown Florence Main Street
Metuchen Downtown Alliance in Metuchen, New Jersey, is celebrated for excellence in creating a welcoming, walkable, and inclusive downtown through innovative and family-friendly programming.
Metuchen, New Jersey © Richard Alfonzo Photography
2023 Mary Means Leadership Award
“John is the most compassionate and dedicated community development champion that I know…He is a staunch supporter of our Main Street Oakland County communities, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him for the betterment of our downtowns!”
- Kristi Trevarrow, Rochester Downtown Development Authority Executive Director
Honoring John Bry for his ability to develop innovative ideas, build organizational capacity of local programs and leaders, and lead through understanding as program coordinator at Main Street Oakland County in Michigan.
John Bry © John Bry
2020 Main Street Forward Awards
“The recipients of the Main Street Forward Awards have demonstrated inspiring creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in the face of existential challenges to their downtowns. While their projects are wide-ranging, these Main Street programs have all stepped in to rebuild more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. I know that their work will serve as an example to communities across the country of the perseverance of the Main Street Movement.”
- Patrice Frey, Main Street America President and CEO (2013−2022)
Recognizing six downtown commercial districts that demonstrated exemplary recovery and resilience efforts amid the multiple crises of 2020.
Royal Oak, Michigan © Royal Oak DDA
Vulcan Statue © Art Meripol
Main Street Now 2024
Birmingham, Alabama
Join fellow commercial district revitalization leaders from across the country for three days of insightful education sessions, unique special events, immersive mobile workshops, and memorable experiences.
Register Now!