Main Spotlight: Connecting, Innovating, and Sustaining a Healthy Main Street Movement
Key takeaways from six sessions at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference.
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Due Soon: Nominations for the 2024 Mary Means Leadership Award!
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.
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