The Nebraska Main Street Network recently announced their 2024 Inspiring Excellence Award winners, recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals, projects and activities that contribute to the economic and social vibrancy of downtown business districts in communities throughout the state.
“The Main Street Awards Program provides the Board, its members, and supporters the opportunity to highlight their excellent work for Nebraska and be recognized by their fellow communities. These awards illustrate activity in the communities and provides all of us an opportunity to highlight the investment of business owners, property owners, Main Street employees, and other city groups and organizations,” states Melissa Dirr Gengler, Secretary of the Nebraska Main Street Network Board of directors.
Communities, businesses, and individuals participating in the Nebraska Main Street Network have committed themselves to community development of their downtowns. The comprehensive Main Street approach has been utilized for over 40-years nationwide, encouraging community building through economic development and preservation of community culture.
“The winners of the Awards of Excellence are leaders in their communities. Their dedication to the development of their downtowns is truly admirable and deserving of appreciation,” states Aly Ramage, Executive Director of Nebraska Main Street Network. “The Nebraska Main Street Network is filled with people dedicated to building their community. These awards are one small way we are able to show our appreciation and recognize these individuals and businesses.”
The 2024 award recipients are:
Adaptive Reuse Project: The Academy, Weeping Water, NE
Interior Improvement: Kayla’s Savory Bites and Sifted Sweets, Beatrice, NE
Public Partner Award: The City of Beatrice, Beatrice, NE
Streetscape/Public Improvement Project: BE THE LIGHT, Weeping Water, NE
Business Promotional Event/Activity: Christmas Walk Event, Fremont, NE
Facade Improvement: Grandpa Snazzy’s, Weeping Water, NE
Volunteer of the Year:
Karlene Douglas, Beatrice, NE
Katy Jones, Fremont, NE
Darl Beck, Tekamah, NE
Brooke Gjerde, Weeping Water, NE
Business of the Year:
Tall Tree Tastings, Beatrice, NE
The Wise Olde Owl, Fremont, NE
Mini Mall, Tekamah, NE
Meeske Hardware, Weeping Water, NE
“We’re so proud to honor the commitment of our board and the businesses we serve,” says Kim Cuda, MainStreet of Fremont Board President. “The Christmas Walk event, as well as our other events, are possible because of the many businesses that support our work and participate in the events we host.”
The Christmas Walk event began in 1994 as MainStreet of Fremont’s first promotional event! In 2024 MainStreet celebrated the 30th Annual Christmas Walk. Over the years it has evolved and changed to continue to serve the current community. A few of the most popular events include sales at participating businesses, horse drawn carriages, and the tree lighting ceremony. MainStreet of Fremont continues to look forward to the future of this event.
Katy Jones, an Art Professor at Midland University, has been a member of MainStreet of Fremont’s Board of Directors since 2022. Her commitment to the Gallery Walk events has been extraordinary! From creating the event, to helping get businesses and artists signed up, to creating graphics, sign ups, and more, she has helped these events become a success!
The Wise Olde Owl has been a staple in Downtown Fremont for over 10 years! They have moved to 3 different locations, always calling Historic Downtown their home. In 2024, they expanded their shop to create the Purple Dragon Paper Co. This addition of an independent bookstore has been a welcomed addition by many in the community! People travel from many nearby communities to shop at the Wise Olde Owl and the shop owners are always sure to recommend stopping at another downtown business or two. They are adamant about supporting the community and other local businesses.
“We are so excited to recognize Katy and the Wise Olde Owl in their commitment to Downtown Fremont,” says Lainey Paquette, Executive Director of MainStreet of Fremont. “Katy has dedicated so much time and energy into making the Gallery Walk events a success and we are glad to show that appreciation with the Volunteer of the Year Award. The Wise Olde Owl took a big step in expansion this year and we are excited to present them with the Business of the Year Award.”
MainStreet of Fremont will be hosting a Chamber Coffee at Gallery 92 on March 14th at 9 a.m. where we will present these awards and recognize retiring board members.
The Nebraska Main Street Network is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program responsible for helping Nebraska communities create vibrant and successful downtown business districts through historic preservation, community and economic development.
ACCREDITED MAIN STREET AMERICA™ COMMUNITIES INCLUDE: BEATRICE
AFFILIATE MAIN STREET AMERICA™ COMMUNITIES INCLUDE: FALLS CITY, FREMONT, & WAYNE.
NETWORK MEMBER COMMUNITIES INCLUDE: GRAND ISLAND, RED CLOUD, WEEPING WATER, PAPILLION, SIDNEY, LEXINGTON, NELIGH, NORTH PLATTE, TEKAMAH, MINDEN, AND YORK
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