Recently, the National Main Street Center (NMSC) announced the 2020 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) winners during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s (NTHP) virtual PastForward Conference, recognizing three deserving Main Street communities across the nation. Congratulations to the following communities for receiving the nation’s top award that celebrates those that have excelled in comprehensive preservation-based downtown revitalization!

• Boyne City Main Street | Boyne City, Michigan
• Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association | Tupelo, Mississippi
• Kendall Whittier Main Street | Tulsa, Oklahoma

“This year’s GAMSA winners demonstrate the power of our commercial district revitalization approach to transform communities and turn around local economies. While these winning programs hail from small towns and larger cities, they have all brought vibrancy to their downtowns through inclusive community engagement, dedicated small business support, and innovative partnerships. I know their stories will inspire Main Streets across the country as they work to respond to the impacts of the pandemic.” – Patrice Frey, President & CEO, NMSC

Since 1995, NMSC has honored exceptional Main Street communities with the GAMSA. Over 100 communities have been awarded this great honor throughout the country, five of which are from Virginia:

• Harrisonburg, VA | 2014
• Culpeper, VA | 2012
• Lynchburg, VA | 2009
• Manassas, VA | 2003
• Staunton, VA | 2002

Lead Image: www.mainstreet.org