Port Orford, Reedsport, and Bandon 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 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 9 projects, activities, and people were recognized – 3 of those based on nominations submitted by Port Orford Main Street, Reedsport Main Street, and the Greater Bandon Association.
• Economic Vitality: Mr. Ed’s, Port Orford
The Economic Vitality Award is given for efforts that substantially enhance the local economy including job creation and retention, sales growth, increased assets, and influx of new dollars from outside the area. In a small community, the impact of one person, one business, can have a ripple effect on the local economy. Eddy Houck's dream of owning a space for music, food, and camaraderie in Port Orford has bloomed into the thriving hub, Mr. Ed’s. Growing from its humble beginnings as Port Orford’s first coffee shop in 1984 with community support, this family-friendly pub hosts musicians, gatherings, and more putting Port Orford on the map as a cherished coastal destination. “Mr. Ed’s represents an epicenter of positive change in this town. It’s a place that provides a sense of community through the common love of music and old-school conversation, mixed with some good food and good spirits."— Chad Steele, professional house painter and Swerv band member. A video recognizing Mr. Ed’s and Eddy Houck’s award can be found here: Award Video.
• Special Project: Reedsport Main Street’s Open House, Reedsport
The Special Project award is given to an activity or program that impactfully addresses specific goals or priorities of the local main street organization. The Reedsport Main Street Program was the recipient of the 2023 Special Project Award for their efforts in addressing the perennial question main street programs are asked "Is that something Main Street does?" Seeking to reshape perceptions, the program hosted an exceptional Open House. Featuring a themed progressive dinner across local businesses, attendees relished diverse presentations on Main Street's history, accomplishments, and upcoming ventures. A punch-card system guided guests, culminating in a brewery visit. Beyond enlightenment, attendees connected with entrepreneurs and discovered downtown's offerings. Coverage of the event ignited curiosity, amplifying local involvement, volunteerism, and social media reach. The ripple effect of Reedsport Main Street's event underscores the potential for meaningful community enrichment. A video recognizing the Reedsport Main Street for this award can be found here: Award Video.
Executive Director of the Year Award: Harv Schubothe, Bandon
Harv Schubothe, the driving force behind Greater Bandon Association (GBA), has earned the prestigious Executive Director of the Year award for his exceptional impact on downtown and main street revitalization. Since GBA's inception in 2010, Harv's visionary leadership led him from co-coordinator to executive director, cementing his commitment to community partnerships and growth. Harv's dedication to continuous improvement resulted in the Ford Family Foundation's Community Fellow selection in 2014, paving the way for GBA's evolution into a catalytic community builder. His strategic prowess culminated in a successful three-year plan, Main Street Refresh, and securing National and State Accredited Main Street status in 2023. Harv's mentorship extends beyond GBA, shaping professionals and fostering collaboration. With a focus on outcomes over acclaim, Harv Schubothe exemplifies a leadership style that propels Greater Bandon Association's accomplishments and unity. “I believe this award recognizes rather than my own achievements those of the Greater Bandon Association as it met the performance standards of the National Main Street Center in becoming one of the few accredited Main Street organizations in Oregon,” stated Harv Schubothe, Executive Director, Greater Bandon Association. “Those recognized for this award before me were catalytic community builders in their towns and I am honored to be included in their company.” A video recognizing Harv’s achievement can be found here: Award Video.
The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network.
"We are thrilled to recognize the exceptional efforts and accomplishments of these award winners. Their dedication to enhancing local economies, reshaping perceptions, and fostering community unity perfectly embodies the spirit of the Main Street Approach™, stated Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “These projects showcase the transformative power of collaborative initiatives, and we commend Mr. Ed’s, Reedsport Main Street, and Harv Schubothe for their outstanding contributions to Oregon's historic downtowns and commercial neighborhoods."
Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.
• Economic Vitality: Mr. Ed’s, Port Orford
The Economic Vitality Award is given for efforts that substantially enhance the local economy including job creation and retention, sales growth, increased assets, and influx of new dollars from outside the area. In a small community, the impact of one person, one business, can have a ripple effect on the local economy. Eddy Houck's dream of owning a space for music, food, and camaraderie in Port Orford has bloomed into the thriving hub, Mr. Ed’s. Growing from its humble beginnings as Port Orford’s first coffee shop in 1984 with community support, this family-friendly pub hosts musicians, gatherings, and more putting Port Orford on the map as a cherished coastal destination. “Mr. Ed’s represents an epicenter of positive change in this town. It’s a place that provides a sense of community through the common love of music and old-school conversation, mixed with some good food and good spirits."— Chad Steele, professional house painter and Swerv band member. A video recognizing Mr. Ed’s and Eddy Houck’s award can be found here: Award Video.
• Special Project: Reedsport Main Street’s Open House, Reedsport
The Special Project award is given to an activity or program that impactfully addresses specific goals or priorities of the local main street organization. The Reedsport Main Street Program was the recipient of the 2023 Special Project Award for their efforts in addressing the perennial question main street programs are asked "Is that something Main Street does?" Seeking to reshape perceptions, the program hosted an exceptional Open House. Featuring a themed progressive dinner across local businesses, attendees relished diverse presentations on Main Street's history, accomplishments, and upcoming ventures. A punch-card system guided guests, culminating in a brewery visit. Beyond enlightenment, attendees connected with entrepreneurs and discovered downtown's offerings. Coverage of the event ignited curiosity, amplifying local involvement, volunteerism, and social media reach. The ripple effect of Reedsport Main Street's event underscores the potential for meaningful community enrichment. A video recognizing the Reedsport Main Street for this award can be found here: Award Video.
Executive Director of the Year Award: Harv Schubothe, Bandon
Harv Schubothe, the driving force behind Greater Bandon Association (GBA), has earned the prestigious Executive Director of the Year award for his exceptional impact on downtown and main street revitalization. Since GBA's inception in 2010, Harv's visionary leadership led him from co-coordinator to executive director, cementing his commitment to community partnerships and growth. Harv's dedication to continuous improvement resulted in the Ford Family Foundation's Community Fellow selection in 2014, paving the way for GBA's evolution into a catalytic community builder. His strategic prowess culminated in a successful three-year plan, Main Street Refresh, and securing National and State Accredited Main Street status in 2023. Harv's mentorship extends beyond GBA, shaping professionals and fostering collaboration. With a focus on outcomes over acclaim, Harv Schubothe exemplifies a leadership style that propels Greater Bandon Association's accomplishments and unity. “I believe this award recognizes rather than my own achievements those of the Greater Bandon Association as it met the performance standards of the National Main Street Center in becoming one of the few accredited Main Street organizations in Oregon,” stated Harv Schubothe, Executive Director, Greater Bandon Association. “Those recognized for this award before me were catalytic community builders in their towns and I am honored to be included in their company.” A video recognizing Harv’s achievement can be found here: Award Video.
The wide range of Oregon Main Street’s Excellence on Main awards is reflective of the comprehensive Main Street Approach™ to downtown revitalization developed by the National Main Street Center. This model is used by the communities participating in the three-tier Main Street Track of Oregon Main Street Network.
"We are thrilled to recognize the exceptional efforts and accomplishments of these award winners. Their dedication to enhancing local economies, reshaping perceptions, and fostering community unity perfectly embodies the spirit of the Main Street Approach™, stated Sheri Stuart, State Coordinator, Oregon Main Street. “These projects showcase the transformative power of collaborative initiatives, and we commend Mr. Ed’s, Reedsport Main Street, and Harv Schubothe for their outstanding contributions to Oregon's historic downtowns and commercial neighborhoods."
Oregon Main Street strengthens community networks, bolsters local economies, generates tax revenues, and fosters social connections across the state. OMS leads a network of local Main Streets that oversee a wide range of programmatic efforts to build community, support local businesses, and create an attractive and vibrant environment for workers, visitors, and residents. The Oregon Main Street network generates significant value for local communities and for the State of Oregon overall. Learn more about the impact of the Oregon Main Street program by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.
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