Astoria 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. A total of nine projects, activities, and people were recognized – two of those based on nominations submitted by the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association.
2023 Resiliency Award: Buoy Beer, Astoria
This year the Excellence on Main Award Committee wanted to recognize a business for their resiliency in the face of disaster. A special 2023 Resiliency Award went to Buoy Beer in Astoria for their response to the devastating 2022 building collapse of their iconic waterfront building. Buoy quickly resumed brewing, thanks to community support and contract brewing arrangements. The restaurant continues to thrive in the Astoria Food Hub. Buoy's resilience showcases the power of adaptability and unity in challenging times. A video recognizing Buoy Beer’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Open Door Award: Kirsten Norgaard of Kit’s Apothecary
The Open Door Award was created to recognize programs, projects, or activities that create a more welcoming downtown and are a model of inclusive practices. The 2023 Open Door Award went to Kirsten Norgaard of Kit’s Apothecary for her remarkable contributions in creating an inclusive and inviting space that enriches the cultural fabric of downtown Astoria. Kirsten's efforts breathed new life into the ABECO building, transforming it into a vibrant hub of food, retail, art, music, and community in the heart of downtown Astoria. A video recognizing Kirsten and Kit’s Apothecary’s award can be found here: Award Video.
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.
Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street, remarked, "As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2023 Excellence on Main award winners, it's evident that our Main Street communities are at the heart of our state's vitality. Buoy Beer and Kit’s Apothecary exemplify the resilience and inclusivity that breathe life into historic downtowns. Their contributions, like those of all award recipients, enrich the cultural fabric and economic growth of our communities.
The Oregon Main Street program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and preservation, fostering vibrant environments that truly reflect the essence of our state."
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 Resiliency Award: Buoy Beer, Astoria
This year the Excellence on Main Award Committee wanted to recognize a business for their resiliency in the face of disaster. A special 2023 Resiliency Award went to Buoy Beer in Astoria for their response to the devastating 2022 building collapse of their iconic waterfront building. Buoy quickly resumed brewing, thanks to community support and contract brewing arrangements. The restaurant continues to thrive in the Astoria Food Hub. Buoy's resilience showcases the power of adaptability and unity in challenging times. A video recognizing Buoy Beer’s award can be found here: Award Video.
2023 Open Door Award: Kirsten Norgaard of Kit’s Apothecary
The Open Door Award was created to recognize programs, projects, or activities that create a more welcoming downtown and are a model of inclusive practices. The 2023 Open Door Award went to Kirsten Norgaard of Kit’s Apothecary for her remarkable contributions in creating an inclusive and inviting space that enriches the cultural fabric of downtown Astoria. Kirsten's efforts breathed new life into the ABECO building, transforming it into a vibrant hub of food, retail, art, music, and community in the heart of downtown Astoria. A video recognizing Kirsten and Kit’s Apothecary’s award can be found here: Award Video.
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.
Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street, remarked, "As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our 2023 Excellence on Main award winners, it's evident that our Main Street communities are at the heart of our state's vitality. Buoy Beer and Kit’s Apothecary exemplify the resilience and inclusivity that breathe life into historic downtowns. Their contributions, like those of all award recipients, enrich the cultural fabric and economic growth of our communities.
The Oregon Main Street program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and preservation, fostering vibrant environments that truly reflect the essence of our state."
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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