The annual Main Street Iowa awards was held Friday, May 1, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (Iowa Events Center) in downtown Des Moines.
The event, which aims to recognize local Main Street projects, activities and volunteers, was attended by more than 500 individuals representing communities across the state.
Competitive nominations were submitted for 107 projects and activities within the five categories of design, economic restructuring, organization, promotion and overall program.
Twenty-one projects received winner awards recognition and nine received honorable mention. The honors were presented by Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
In addition to the competitive nominations, individuals, couples or co-chairs representing the 52 Main Street programs were recognized for their outstanding dedication and volunteer service. The program directors accompanied their volunteers on stage as they received their certificates.
The Osceola Chamber Main Street Board of Directors selected Amy Lundquist to be the Volunteer of the Year Award winner.
Lundquist works tirelessly to benefit events and activities in Osceola, volunteering to help or run many of them. She takes on endless responsibility, including chairing the promotions committee and CDBG sub-committee.
Currently, she is also the president elect of Osceola Chamber Main Street, which makes her a member of the budget committee, as well.
“Her ambition and drive make events and activities even more successful and enduring,” said Derek Lumsden, executive director of Osceola Chamber Main Street. “She is a volunteer who never asks someone to do what she won’t do. She is very inspiring this way and is a great leader for the organization and the community.”
In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach® to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Since its inception, the state program and its communities have been considered examples of excellence in the national effort to revitalize historic commercial districts across the country.
To find out how to get involved with Osceola Chamber Main Street, contact Lumsden at 641-342-4200 or by email at ocms@iowatelecom.net