Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.
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The success of a Main Street program depends upon the vision and determination of local leaders committed to community-led transformation. To celebrate these extraordinary individuals and to recognize the outstanding leadership of Main Street America’s founder, Main Street America recognizes exceptional leaders with the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.
Who will you nominate to be celebrated with this distinguished honor?
Keep reading for more information and make sure to tell us about your community's exceptional leader by January 22, 2024.
Eligibility: The nominee must be a current employee or volunteer with a Main Street America Local Program or Coordinating Program and have served in this capacity for at least three years. The nominee’s organization must have an active Main Street America membership.
Nomination Process: Individuals can nominate others or themselves. Applicants will be asked to provide letters of support and to describe how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, such as building local capacity, centering equity, bringing together diverse stakeholders through shared vision, and exhibiting innovation and ingenuity. Find full qualifying leadership qualities here >
Application: Nominators must submit a completed application through the online portal by Monday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. CST. A preview of the application is available on our website. Access application resources here >
Selection: Awardees are selected from a nationwide pool of applications by a jury of past recipients, Main Street America staff, external partners.
Recognition: The recipient of the award will be recognized at the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. They will also receive a $1500 professional development stipend, an invitation to the Founders Reception at the conference, a special feature on the Main Street America blog, and media relations support.
Don't miss the chance to nominate your community's exceptional leader for this top honor: Submit your application by Monday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. CST!
Learn more and nominate now! >
Questions? Contact Steve Amraen at 312.610.5609 or samraen@mainstreet.org.
The 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award is generously sponsored by Regions Bank.
Running a successful Main Street program requires passion, dedication, and solid organizational systems. Learn how to identify and evaluate inefficient systems, and how to turn hurdles into helpers with this three-part, peer-instructor course starting December 3, 2025. Come with a desire to explore systems-based thinking and walk away with the clarity, structure, and confidence to lead with intention.
Gain organizational tools for maximum impact. Photo by FlamingoImages
We've just added four new, free, self-guided Local Main Street Leader learning journey courses in the Main Street America Academy. From a deep dive into market analysis to strategies for building trust, each course is designed to support your abilities to launch your leadership efforts to the next level.
Gain tools to turn plans into progress. Photo by Ellen Gailing
Mission-driven work is tough, requiring changemakers to navigate stressful situations and develop resilience. Learning how to listen to and work with your body can help! Join us on Thursday, November 13, for Reclaim Resilience: Nervous System Practices for Sustainable Leadership, a workshop for impact-driven changemakers interested in learning practical nervous system regulation techniques that support clarity, presence, and sustainable leadership.
Learn how to stay grounded with body-based tools. Photo by Drazen Zigic/iStock