Albany and Woodburn Among Recipients of “Excellence on Main” Awards
Oregon Main Street announced its 2023 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 4 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in Independence. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding accomplishments, activities, and people making a difference in historic downtowns and traditional commercial neighborhoods across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of nine remarkable projects, activities, and individuals, among which three were nominated by the Albany Downtown Association and the City of Woodburn.
2023 Bricks and Mortar Award: The Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater, Woodburn
The Bricks and Mortar Award, designed to highlight preservation endeavors that have a positive impact, was bestowed upon The Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater restoration project. Recognizing the extensive restoration conducted by the City of Woodburn, the project encompassed a myriad of tasks, from roof replacement and seismic upgrades to meticulous brick repair, lighting installation, original floor restoration, window reinstallation, awning recreation, and faithful façade restoration. Despite challenges such as initial contractor delays and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication displayed by the project team culminated in a successful restoration that witnessed a substantial surge in visitor numbers for the Museum and Bungalow. A video recognizing the Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Leadership on Main Award: Stephanie Gutierrez, Albany Downtown Association
Stephanie Gutierrez was the deserving recipient of the 2023 Leadership on Main Award, a distinction that honors individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication to their local Main Street over a considerable period. With over seven years of active involvement in the Albany Downtown Association (ADA), Stephanie's impact has been profound. Her contributions span from elevating the Downtown Albany awards into a formal celebration, introducing enriching partner and educational sessions to the Building and Business Owner Mixers, to coordinating and volunteering for numerous downtown events that foster community cohesion. Her instrumental role in securing multiple Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grants and shaping ADA's new strategic plan underscores her unwavering commitment to the community. A video recognizing Stephanie’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Business of the Year Award: Sybaris Bistro, Albany
The Business of the Year Award was bestowed upon Sybaris Bistro, a cornerstone of downtown Albany. Chef Matt Bennett and his partner, Janel, have cultivated Sybaris Bistro into an iconic establishment known for its dynamic menu reflecting seasonal Oregon produce. The bistro's recognition on regional and national platforms, including Forbes Magazine, stands testament to their culinary excellence. Beyond their exceptional cuisine, Sybaris Bistro actively contributes to Albany Downtown Association and the local community by participating in events, supporting fellow businesses, and igniting agritourism awareness.
The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives. A video recognizing Sybaris Bistro’s accomplishment can be found here: Award Video.
Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street, remarked, "Vibrant historic downtowns are important to the overall health of local communities and the state. Our Oregon Main Street Network member have elevated their communities’ quality of life through creative projects, community-oriented initiatives, and dedicated preservation efforts."
The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.
2023 Bricks and Mortar Award: The Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater, Woodburn
The Bricks and Mortar Award, designed to highlight preservation endeavors that have a positive impact, was bestowed upon The Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater restoration project. Recognizing the extensive restoration conducted by the City of Woodburn, the project encompassed a myriad of tasks, from roof replacement and seismic upgrades to meticulous brick repair, lighting installation, original floor restoration, window reinstallation, awning recreation, and faithful façade restoration. Despite challenges such as initial contractor delays and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedication displayed by the project team culminated in a successful restoration that witnessed a substantial surge in visitor numbers for the Museum and Bungalow. A video recognizing the Woodburn Museum and Bungalow Theater’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Leadership on Main Award: Stephanie Gutierrez, Albany Downtown Association
Stephanie Gutierrez was the deserving recipient of the 2023 Leadership on Main Award, a distinction that honors individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication to their local Main Street over a considerable period. With over seven years of active involvement in the Albany Downtown Association (ADA), Stephanie's impact has been profound. Her contributions span from elevating the Downtown Albany awards into a formal celebration, introducing enriching partner and educational sessions to the Building and Business Owner Mixers, to coordinating and volunteering for numerous downtown events that foster community cohesion. Her instrumental role in securing multiple Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grants and shaping ADA's new strategic plan underscores her unwavering commitment to the community. A video recognizing Stephanie’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Business of the Year Award: Sybaris Bistro, Albany
The Business of the Year Award was bestowed upon Sybaris Bistro, a cornerstone of downtown Albany. Chef Matt Bennett and his partner, Janel, have cultivated Sybaris Bistro into an iconic establishment known for its dynamic menu reflecting seasonal Oregon produce. The bistro's recognition on regional and national platforms, including Forbes Magazine, stands testament to their culinary excellence. Beyond their exceptional cuisine, Sybaris Bistro actively contributes to Albany Downtown Association and the local community by participating in events, supporting fellow businesses, and igniting agritourism awareness.
The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives. A video recognizing Sybaris Bistro’s accomplishment can be found here: Award Video.
Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street, remarked, "Vibrant historic downtowns are important to the overall health of local communities and the state. Our Oregon Main Street Network member have elevated their communities’ quality of life through creative projects, community-oriented initiatives, and dedicated preservation efforts."
The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.
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