ACHIEVEMENTS
2009, Adaptive Re-Use Project
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use. Examples include conversions to housing and office space, multiple businesses, public meeting space, restaurants, cultural centers, etc.
Winner: The Reserve in Laurel
2010, Best Special Event
Winner: Loblolly Festival in Laurel Adaptive Re-Use Project, 2009 – This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use. Examples include conversions to housing and office space, multiple businesses, public meeting space, restaurants, cultural centers, etc.
Winner: The Reserve in Laurel
2011, Best Community Impact Project
This award recognizes a business or organization that has contributed leadership and support for downtown and represents a commitment to the community and investment in downtown revitalization.
Winner: Four.One.Five City Centre, Agape Church, Laurel
2011, Best Newsletter – Population Over 5,000
This award recognizes excellence in communication by a downtown organization through its print or online newsletter.
Winner: Laurel Main Street News
2012, Award for Excellence
This award acknowledges the efforts of Main Street Managers who have shown excellent service to their communities and downtown.
Winner: Judi Holifield, Laurel
2012, Best Capital Campaign
This award recognizes creativity and success in securing funding commitments from business partnerships.
Winner: Laurel Main Street, Opening Doors
2013, Best New Signage
This award recognizes excellence in signage design, craftsmanship, creativity and overall impact on its building or entryway, or directional signage to the downtown.
Winner: studio 5 fifty arts center, Robby and Angie Scruggs, Owners
2013, Best Public Improvement Project
This award is given to the municipality or Main Street Program that has designed and implemented attractive and sympathetic improvements to its downtown district.
Winner: Laurel Main Street, WE ARE LAUREL banner project
2014, Spirit of Main Street
This award recognizes a volunteer who has displayed an involved commitment to downtown and the Main Street program.
Winner: Erin Napier, Lucky Luxe Couture and Correspondence
2015, Best Community Collaborative Project
This award recognizes creative joint ventures between the Main Street organization and another local, community non-profit such as a charity organization, chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau, etc.
Winner: Touch A Truck
2015, Main Street Merchant of the Year
This award recognizes excellence in the retail field, going to a merchant who has been a “mover and a shaker” in downtown revitalization. The recipient exemplifies the best in merchandising, inventory, display, hours, quality, convenience and service.
Winner: Andrea Milham, owner Southern Antique Mall
2016, Outstanding Business Retention/Recruitment Program
This award is granted to the downtown organization that has created and implemented the best retention and/or business recruitment program for its downtown.
Winner: Opening Doors to Downtown Laurel
2016, Outstanding Image Promotion
This award recognizes the downtown organization or business that has developed an effective public relations piece or specific promotional campaign.
Winner: The Magnolia State Bank Chili Cook-Off
2016, Premier Partner
This award recognizes creative joint ventures between the Main Street organization and another local, community entity or entities.
Winner: Own Your Hill Local Online Marketing
2017, Outstanding Adaptive Reuse Project
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.
Winner: Slowboat Brewing Co.
2018, Main Street Hero
This award recognizes one outstanding community leader or public figure who has displayed an involved commitment to downtown and his or her Main Street program.
Winner: Mallorie Rasberry
2018, Merchant of the Year
This award recognizes one outstanding local business owner who has a flourishing and innovative business and displayed an involved commitment to downtown and his or her Main Street program.
Winner: Rodney and Angie Rowell, owners Lott Furniture Company
2018, Outstanding Adaptive Reuse Project
This award is granted to the best adaptive reuse of a building that has outlived its former use.
Winner: The Burton Building
2018, Outstanding Community Transformation
This is an overall award that goes to a Main Street program that has achieved a successful, preservation-based downtown revival.
Winner: Laurel Main Street
General
- 45 businesses opened
- 150 net jobs
- 12 business expansions
- 28 façade improvements
- 9.1 million in private investment
- Establishment of the Laurel Welcome Center
Building Rehabs
- The First National Bank Building
- Oak Street Place
- Elegant Evenings
- Four.One.Five.City Center/The Agape Church
- C.T. Ferrill Building/SouthGroup Insurance Services
- Brandon Petroleum Offices
- studio 5 fifty arts center
- Red Door Studio Suites
- West Oak Street Apartments
- Boot Smith Corporate Offices
- The Knight Butcher
- Closet Candy
- Sweet Somethings Bakery
- The Burton Building
- The Marcus Furniture Building
The Laurel Mercantile - The Laurel Leaf
Physical Improvements
- Trustmark Park
- Vacant lot at Front and Oak
- Leontyne Price Park
- Benches in the downtown area
- Sugar Maples lining Central Avenue
- Painting of 42 concrete planters
- Graffiti removal
- 15 trash receptacles
- Bicycle Racks
- Oak Street Pocket Park
- Laurel Jones County Library Mural
- “Visit Laurel” Mural
- Carroll Gartin Beautification Project
- Way-Finding Signage
- I-59 Billboards
- Sandwich Board Loan Program
- “We Are Laurel” banner campaign
- Walking Tour Brochure
- Welcome to Historic Laurel Business Brochure
- Jones County War Memorial painting/ replanting
- Carroll Gartin Boulevard Tree planting project
- Made in Laurel Miss Instagram selfie wall
- “Light the Downtown” Historic Lighting Project
Youth Involvement
- Student community service hours through Key Club, Serteens, Beta Club, JCJC Bobcat Brigade, SGA & PTK and the LMS Internship program
- Intership program
Downtown Apartments
- 28 downtown apartments are occupied with waiting lists
Sponsored and Co-sponsored Events
- Chili Cook-Off
- Farmer’s Market
- Downtown Movie Night
- Touch A Truck
- Back to School Supply Drive & Giveaway
- Loblolly Festival
- Art on Masonite Contest
- Small Business Saturday
- December Downtown Tree Lighting
Grants
- Mississippi Arts Commission Minigrant 2015
- Walking Tour Avenue Flags Grant 2012
- Energy Efficient Street Lighting Grant 2011
- Walking Tour Brochure Grant 2011
- Tree Grant 2008