March 28, 2024

Main Street Iowa recognizes outstanding achievements

The 27th annual Main Street Iowa awards celebration was held May 17 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at Veteran’s Auditorium in downtown Des Moines.

More than 400 individuals attended the event, representing communities from across the state. Gov. Terry Brandstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) presented the honors.

“I am proud to have been part of the effort to bring the Main Street program to Iowa in 1985 as an economic development tool,” said Branstad. “It is gratifying to see the successes Iowa communities have had because of our Main Street program. As a result of the hard work of countless local leaders, Iowa’s Main Street districts in communities large and small are flourishing.”

“Main Street is an economic development model which epitomizes the strength of public-private partnerships,” added Durham. “Taxpayers are certainly getting their money’s worth. Since 1986, for every dollar the state of Iowa has invested in operating the state Main Street program, the private sector in those communities has invested $71.93 into building improvements and acquisitions. In 2012, estimated sales-tax receipts from net new businesses in Main Street communities was approximately 48 times the budget of the state Main Street program.”

During the event, Main Street Volunteer of the Year Awards were presented to 47 individuals or couples who were selected for outstanding dedication and volunteer service benefitting the local Main Street program.

Brian Evans, chief executive officer for Clarke County Hospital, was selected as the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for Osceola.

Evans has been involved with OCMS for many years as a board member. He has served on numerous committees, including the TRC fundraising campaign, helping OCMS recruit and retain sponsorships for various programs.

In 2012, Evans became president, working to ensure the success of the Cornerstone Suites as a viable option for downtown housing.

Additionally, Evans has worked to communicate on the project regarding federal historic-tax credits. He has given his own time and money to drive to Des Moines and offered to fly to D.C. to help guarantee the tax credits arrive to offset the cost of the Masonic Project.

Finally, Evans was instrumental in a new fundraising event — The Sportsman’s Banquet. This event helped earn $10,000 towards a community match of $25,000 for the Masonic Project. The year 2012 was a time of trials and tribulations and OCMS could not have succeeded without the leadership of Evans.