Main Street America (MSA) has begun accepting nominations for the Mary Means Leadership Award, recognizing and celebrating outstanding leaders across the MSA Network! Introduced in 2019, the award highlights the critical role that leadership plays in shaping the Main Street movement, and that’s never been more pertinent in light of today’s environment. Over the past year, Main Street communities have faced unprecedented challenges, and community leaders have been forced to deepen engagement and motivate others like never before as they help weather the storm.

This year, MSA has opened the nomination process to any and all staff or volunteer leaders at local Main Street or UrbanMain organizations and Coordinating Programs. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 15, and the winners will be selected by a jury including Mary Means, past years’ winners, Main Street coordinators and MSA board members and staff. Winners will be announced on Apr. 12 during the virtual Opening Plenary at the Main Street Now Conference, receiving a $1,000 professional development stipend for the Main Street America Institute (MSAI), a $500 professional development travel stipend, an invitation to the VIP reception at the next in-person Main Street Now Conference, a press release for local media and a special feature on the MSA blog and next issue of State of Main.

Click here to download the nomination form and learn more about eligibility criteria and more information!

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