Jacksonville Main Street Names Volunteer of the Year
 

Jacksonville Main Street's 2006 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 at Hamilton's 110 North East, reviewed a long list of successes for the previous year.

Outgoing Board President Dr. Lawrence Bryan recapped the Wall Dog Extravaganza and Jacksonville Main Street's residential revitalization efforts in the New Life Project. He noted the consistent record-setting progress made by the organization since being accepted into the Main Street Program in 1999, faster than any community before or since had been, and earning the reference by the state program as "a shining star".

He reminded the gathering of nearly 40 members that while the organization had a concensus in support of a traditional square concept, the board unanimously agreed that either proposed change to downtown traffic would be an improvement for the historic central business district. Dr. Bryan encouraged the entire membership to continue building concensus for achieving big goals through taking small steps.

Kristan Becker Hoffman, Organization Chair, also highlighted several major achievements throughout 2006. Jacksonville Main Street was nominated for 7 Lt. Governor's Awards in Excellence in Downtown Revitalization, winning the Best Long Term Business Success Story for Carl Cleaners, Judy Tighe for Executive Director of the Year, and Best Public Improvement for the Wall Dog Extravaganza. Kristan noted the 4th straight year for National Program Accreditation, and being named one of 11 nationwide finalists for the Great American Main Street Award by National Main Street. Jacksonville Main Street was also a presenter at the Illinois Main Street State Conference and named a Premier Illinois Main Street Community for the second year by the state program. Kristan also noted Judy Tighe's completion of National Certification Training in Washington DC, and presented Dr. Bryan with a framed Wall Dog Mural print as a token of appreciation for his years of service to the organization, six of which as Jacksonville Main Street's Board of Directors' President.

Several volunteers were recognized for more than five years of dedicated service. Executive Director Judy Tighe announced the winner of the Kristan Becker Hoffman Volunteer of the Year Award as Dorthy Brooks. Dorthy, a devoted supporter of many local charities, is well-known throughout the community. A regular event helper and Design Committee member, she played an instrumental role in getting Jacksonville Main Street's Adopt-a-Planter Program started. Dorthy single-handedly coordinated meals, especially breakfast and lunch, for up to 50 volunteers and painters throughout the week-long Wall Dog Extravaganza.

Economic Restructuring Committee Chair, Tom Grojean, acknowledged Production Press as Jacksonville Main Street's Business of the Year. The Racey family's generosity and concern for the Jacksonville community was demonstrated through the repurchase of the business when corporate owners planned to close the plant. In addition to saving those jobs, expansions in product capabilities have increased employment and building improvements have enhanced their downtown neighborhood. Production Press also featured two Jacksonville Main Street publications, the Mural Tour brochure and Mural Calendar, during their Chamber Business After Hours and Open House in November.

Bob Chipman, of Chipman Realty, was also publicly recognized for his generous donation of the commission earned in the sale of the southeast quadrant building to Jacksonville Main Street. Steve Varble, Design Committee Chair was cited for his leadership in the Wall Dog Extravaganza and Dog Gone Summer Night events.

 

 

Finally, Terri Hall, Ernie Downey, Chuck Krell, and Mike Halsne were re-elected to the Jacksonville Enterprise Zone Development Corporation Board of Directors. Jon Erickson and Joy French Becker were re-elected to the Jacksonville Main Street Board of Directors. Jan Terry was elected Board President, while Helen Baldwin (Vice President), Tom Winner (Secretary), Joy French Becker (Treasurer), and Sharon Mather (Recording Secretary) were also selected as the Executive Committee members for Jacksonville Main Street.