More than 25 awards were presented to outstanding communities across the state at the 19th Annual Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet. The banquet themed “Jewels in Our Crown,” was held April 29th at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “Jewels in Our Crown,” celebrated the crowning achievement of Main Street communities across the state last year. “We received more than 200 nominations for 21 award categories that represent the Main Street Four Point Approach,” said Linda Barnett, director of the Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma Department of Commerce. “This reflects the many great projects and activities in our 43 Main Street communities. We are very proud of their accomplishments as are they.” El Reno, Newkirk and Talihina were among the top winners of the evening, each taking home three awards. Watonga Main Street manager Bob Shoemaker was awarded Program Manager of the Year alongside long time Main Street supporter Fred Lucas of Watonga who was named Main Street Hero. “Bob’s board president told me that Bob ‘lives and breathes’ Main Street and he truly does,” Barnett said. “He is dedicated and this award is well-deserved.” Also honored during the banquet was Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, who received the “Friend of Main Street” award for all of her support of the Main Street Program. “Lieutenant Governor Askins knows as much about Main Street as anyone on the state staff,” Barnett said. “In fact, we think of her as part of our staff at the Oklahoma Main Street Center. No one does a better job of telling the Main Street story than our Lieutenant Governor.” This year’s banquet sponsors included OG+E and Main Street of Perry. Since 1986, over 60 communities have participated in the Main Street program. Currently, 43 active Oklahoma Main Street communities have generated more than $580 million in total public and private reinvestment, created more than 10,900 new jobs and helped in the development more than 3,450 new or expanded small businesses, For more information about the Oklahoma Main Street Program, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/mainstreet or call (405) 815-5171. 2008 Main Street Winners Organization Main Street Hero – Watonga: Fred Lucas Best Creative Fundraising Efforts – Perry: The Perry Planner Best Main Street Youth Involvement – Hobart: Hobart’s Youth Developing into Future Community Leaders Best Volunteer Development Program – Newkirk: Junior Main Street Community Education / Public Awareness – Ponca City www.poncacitymainstreet.com Web Experience Premier Partner – El Reno: King Electric Promotion Premier Special – Capitol Hill: Fiestas de las Americas Best Retail – Talihina: “Mad Dash” Shopping Spree Outstanding Image – Enid: “Main Street Enid Is…” Outstanding Image – Ponca City: “It’s Time to See What’s in Store” Creative New Event – Talihina: Movies Downtown Centennial Celebration – El Reno: Centennial Celebration at Youngheim Plaza Design Best Public Improvement Project – Durant: Market Square Best Interior Design- El Reno: Uptown Downtown Best Façade Under $10,000 – Poteau: Bridgman’s Furniture Best Façade Under $10,000 – Talihina: Pine Cellular Best Façade Over $10,000 – Newkirk: First National Bank Best Window Display- Enid: Muncy’s Photography Best Window Display- Hobart: General Franks Leadership Institute and Museum Best Signage – Stockyards City: National Saddlery Neon Sign ER Best Adaptive Reuse – Newkirk: Historic Korns Building Best Business Practices – Altus: Confectionately Yours Best New Business – Durant: Roma Italian Restaurant Downtown Business of the Year – Perry: Jim Franklin Sculpture Studio -30- Oklahoma Commerce (www.OKcommerce.gov) is the primary economic and workforce development arm of the state and was designated by the Oklahoma legislature as the lead agency for rural economic development. The agency recruits new businesses to the state, develops economic incentives, assists existing business growth, manages programs that develop the future workforce, facilitates international trade and export assistance, and provides funding to Oklahoma rural communities for programs and activities aimed at sustainability and economic growth. It also manages funds and programs for the State Energy Office function of the U.S. Department of Energy. Leslie BlairPublic Information Officer Oklahoma Department of Commerce900 N. Stiles Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73104-3234 Phone: (405) 815-5320E-mail: leslie_blair@okcommerce.govE-Fax: (405) 605-2920Mobile: (405) 596-9789Toll-free: (800) 879-6552www.okcommerce.govwww.ibelieveinoklahoma.com
