Accepting the award on behalf of Batesville Main Street are BMS volunteers, Glenda Bailey and Mary Troxler.

June 21, 2012 – JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated achievements of Mississippi Main Street communities, Main Street Managers and volunteers at the 2012 Annual Awards Meeting and Luncheon held at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson.

The presentation of awards was made by MMSA Executive Director Bob Wilson and 2012 Board President Barry Plunkett. Chief Justice Bill Waller, Jr. of the Mississippi Supreme Court gave special remarks to the crowd of more than 225 representatives of downtown revitalization programs all over the state.

Among the Award Recipients was (*insert award winner) for (*insert name of award).

“This year’s award winners reflect the commitment of many individuals and groups who champion what Main Street is all about – developing the heart of our communities, our historic downtowns, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone,” Wilson said.

From records dating back since 1993, Mississippi Main Street, a program of the Mississippi Development Authority, has been responsible for more than $4.5 billion in public and private investment across the state. In addition to the investment figures, MMSA has been responsible for more than 4,076 net new businesses, 822 business expansions, 9,382 net new jobs, 2,624 building rehabilitations, and 1,544 downtown residential units.

MMSA currently has 51 active Main Street Communities throughout the state as well as seven Downtown Networks and several Association members.

More than 1,800 Main Street programs participate in 50 other states as well as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. The Main Street program is an economic development program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.