The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated the achievements of statewide communities at the Annual Awards Luncheon at The South Warehouse in downtown Jackson.
Main Street directors, board members, and volunteers were honored and recognized for outstanding downtown revitalization projects and events that took place throughout the Magnolia State.
“Each year, the Annual Awards Luncheon highlights the people, projects, and initiatives that drive economic development in Mississippi’s Main Street communities,” MMSA Executive Director Thomas Gregory said. “Our local Main Street programs are strategic in their downtown revitalization work, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments over the past year.”
MMSA staff presented the 2023 awards to 29 recipients from designated main street communities throughout the state.
Six programs also earned the Main Street Circle of Excellence, a new achievement added this year, and were recognized for their notable efforts in running efficient local programs and excelling with all state requirements of a designated Main Street program.
Medals were presented to Team Cleveland Main Street, Nettleton Main Street, New Albany Main Street, Pontotoc County Main Street Chamber, Starkville Main Street Association, and Sumrall Main Street Association.
In 2022, Mississippi Main Street’s designated communities generated 495 new businesses, 56 business expansions, 841 new jobs, 183 building rehabilitations, and 1,817 downtown residential units.
In addition, 79 public improvement projects were completed as well as 24 new construction projects in downtown business districts. More than $242 million was invested by the public and private sectors and over 42,255 volunteer hours were recorded.
