Main Street America has announced Downtown Ruston Main Street as a 2023 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) Semifinalist. This prestigious award is the nation’s top award recognizing communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants. After thoughtful deliberation, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach™ to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns.
The 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists are: River District Association from Danville, Virginia; Denison Main Street from Denison, Texas; Downtown Florence Main Street from Florence, South Carolina; Metuchen Downtown Alliance from Metuchen, New Jersey; Mills 50 Main Street from Orlando, Florida; Ruston Main Street from Ruston, Louisiana; Downtown Sheridan Association from Sheridan, Wyoming; and Downtown Sykesville Connection from Sykesville, Maryland.
“The Great American Main Street Award is the highest honor that we grant to organizations within our network,” said Hannah White, Interim President, and CEO at Main Street America. “We are proud to recognize Downtown Ruston Main Street and seven fellow organizations as 2023 GAMSA Semifinalists for their excellence in transforming their downtown districts through strategically implemented economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization initiatives.”
From small towns with traditional downtowns to commercial corridors within larger cities, the 2023 GAMSA represent the diversity of the Main Street America network and the power of the Main Street Approach™. Semifinalists have generated over $872 million in local reinvestment, helped open 863 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 4,706 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,922 historic buildings, and leveraged 178,452 volunteer hours.
“Downtown Ruston is where people gather from all walks of life to enjoy art, food, shopping, and community. Our diverse culture and incredible sense of community shine bright in our 25 block district. We work hard to make our district a fun and inviting place for people to visit and live. We are thrilled to be named as a Great American Main Street Semifinalist. This recognition is an honor for our entire City,” said Amy Stegall, Main Street Director and Community Coordinator for the City of Ruston.
The 2023 Great American Main Street Award winners will be announced at the Opening Plenary of the 2023 Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on March 27, 2023.