2024 Main Street Iowa Development Awards Honor Outstanding Achievements
Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration Friday evening in Des Moines. The program honors the efforts of local leaders who work tirelessly to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street districts.
Newton Main Street was able to nominate the Newton Touchdown Club with the Leadership Award for Newton Main Street during 2023.
Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator, presented the honors.
“The Main Street Iowa program stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished, as witnessed from the award-winning projects in rehabilitation, business recruitment and support, façade improvement, housing, placemaking and special events,” said Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Director Debi Durham. “It's evident that Main Street Iowa communities thrive under passionate leadership, achieving remarkable success."
"Seeing the impactful efforts of local Main Street program staff, volunteers, and communities is inspiring," said Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa State Coordinator. "With significant growth in businesses jobs, and investments across communities of all sizes, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what's achievable for Iowa's downtowns."
Main Street Iowa was established in 1985 and operates as a part of the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center. Since its inception, the Main Street Iowa program has had a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, including more than $2.7 billion in private investments, more than 3.8 million volunteer hours, more than 5,500 new businesses created and more than 16,600 jobs.
For more information about Main Street Iowa and how all Iowa communities can access commercial revitalization assistance through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, visit iowaeda.com/downtown-resource-center.
Randy Ervin, Andy Swedenhjelm, Dalton Mowbray, Jace Auen, Koltt Ahn, and Caden Klein attended the awards on behalf of the Newton Touchdown Club.
Erin Yeager, Hannah James, Laurie Moffitt, Melissa Dalton,represented Newton Main Street at the Awards.