Great things happen when people collaborate and aim to make their community better. Heather and Jeremy Cummins with the support of the Winston County Chamber of Commerce prove this true with the recent award received by The Mississippi Main Street Association. The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated achievements of Mississippi Main Street Communities with a special virtual Annual Awards presentation this year. During the association’s annual recognition program held virtually this week, MMSA presented The Mason Boutique and the Winston County Chamber of Commerce with the Economic Vitality: Outstanding Adaptive Reuse Project award. The award was presented for the Cummins renovation of the old Masonic Temple into a beautiful boutique hotel with seven luxurious rooms and a Grand Ballroom. Reused wood and different pieces of the original building were used for art, furniture and headboards–reminders of the building's rich history. Since opening one year ago, The Mason has welcomed over 600 guests from six countries and 40 states and has changed the landscape of Main Street by being a catalyst for other businesses and bringing guests to visit, shop and dine in downtown Louisville while enjoying all of Winston County. “The Louisville/ Noxapater Main Street would like to congratulate Jeremy and Heather Cummins on being selected for such a prestigious award from The Mississippi Main Street Association. We are thankful for their continued investment in our Main Street District. The Mason Boutique Hotel is a wonderful addition to Main Street and we look forward to welcoming their guests to Louisville,” stated Amy Hillyer, Chamber Director and Director of the Main Street in Winston County. The annual awards honors Main Street directors, board members and volunteers and recognizes the most outstanding downtown development projects from Main Street communities in Mississippi. “Mississippi Main Street is excited to celebrate the achievements of our Main Street communities,” said Steven Dick, MMSA Board President. “Our local leaders have worked tirelessly to provide economic opportunities, increase quality of life, and preserve what makes our downtowns special.” MMSA Board President Steven Dick welcomed everyone to the virtual annual awards and recognized member communities and annual investors. Thomas Gregory, MMSA State Coordinator, Jennifer Prather, Director of Community Development, and Jeannie Zieren, Director of Communication and Marketing, presented the awards. In addition, the 2020 nationally accredited programs were recognized, as well as new MMSA communities, and Main Street directors who have served for 10 years or longer in their communities. The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association was also recognized for being a national semi-finalist for the Great American Main Street Award by the National Main Street Center. The Mississippi Development Authority, Entergy Mississippi, and Mississippi Power were recognized as top investors of MMSA and sponsors of the annual awards. In 2019, Mississippi Main Street's Designated Communities generated 185 net new businesses, 62 business expansions to existing businesses, 633 net new jobs, 101 building rehabilitations and 331 downtown residential units. In addition, 178 public improvement projects were completed as well as 36 new construction projects in downtown business districts. More than $148 million was invested by the public and private sectors in 2019, and more than 43,211 volunteer hours were recorded. Every dollar spent in this organization results in $80 of private investment, the highest return on investment of any economic activity in the state. Since 1993, MMSA has generated more than $5.5 billion in private and public investment (including more than $1.3 billion in public investment). MMSA currently has 45 Designated Main Street Community members, four Network members, and eight Associate members. Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) is a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and districts. As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, MMSA helps lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of more than 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. For a full listing of the 2020 Award Winners, please visit https://www.msmainstreet.com/events_news/awards.
