2024 Awards of Excellence
The Nebraska Main Street Network recently announced their 2024 Inspiring
Excellence Award winners, recognizing outstanding businesses, individuals, projects and activities that
contribute to the economic and social vibrancy of downtown business districts in communities throughout
the state.
“The Main Street Awards Program provides the Board, its members, and supporters the opportunity to
highlight their excellent work for Nebraska and be recognized by their fellow communities. These awards
illustrate activity in the communities and provides all of us an opportunity to highlight the investment of
business owners, property owners, Main Street employees, and other city groups and organizations,” states
Melissa Dirr Gengler, Secretary of the Nebraska Main Street Network Board of directors.
Communities, businesses, and individuals participating in the Nebraska Main Street Network have committed
themselves to community development of their downtowns. The comprehensive Main Street Approach has
been utilized for over 40-years nationwide, encouraging community building through economic development
and preservation of community culture.
“The winners of the Awards of Excellence are leaders in their communities. Their dedication to the
development of their downtowns is truly admirable and deserving of appreciation,” states Aly Ramage,
Executive Director of Nebraska Main Street Network. “The Nebraska Main Street Network is filled with people
dedicated to building their community. These awards are one small way we are able to show our appreciation
and recognize these individuals and businesses.
The 2024 award recipients are:
Adaptive Reuse Project: The Academy, Weeping Water, NE
Interior Improvement: Kala’s Savory Bites and Sifted Sweets, Beatrice, NE
Public Partner Award: The City of Beatrice, Beatrice, NE
Streetscape/Public Improvement Project: BE THE LIGHT, Weeping Water, NE
Business Promotional Event/Activity: Christmas Walk Event, Fremont, NE
Facade Improvement: Grandpa Snazzy’s, Weeping Water, NE
Volunteer of the Year:
Karlene Douglas, Beatrice, NE
Katy Jones, Fremont, NE
Darl Beck, Tekamah, NE
Brooke Gjerde, Weeping Water, NE
Business of the Year:
Tall Tree Tastings, Beatrice, NE
The Wise Olde Owl, Fremont, NE
Mini Mall, Tekamah, NE
Meeske Hardware, Weeping Water, NE
