The annual Main Street Iowa Awards was held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center (Iowa Events Center) in downtown Des Moines. The event to recognize local Main Street projects, activities and volunteers was attended by more than 500 individuals representing communities across the state. Competitive nominations were submitted for 107 projects and activities within the five categories of design, economic restructuring, organization, promotion and overall program. Twenty-one projects received winner awards recognition and nine received honorable mention. 6th Avenue Corridor received the following state awards and special recognitions: Business Start-Up Success Story - C Fresh Market, Image Campaign - Litter Letter Project, Volunteer of the Year - Jason Harmer. The honors were presented by Governor Terry E. Branstad and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). In addition to the competitive nominations, individuals, couples or co-chairs representing the 52 Main Street programs were recognized for their outstanding dedication and volunteer service. The program directors accompanied their volunteers on stage as they received their certificates. “In my 1985 Condition of the State address to the Iowa Legislature, I proposed finding the funds to create Main Street Iowa,” stated Governor Branstad. “We knew from the very beginning that Main Street was not a quick-fix solution, but rather an incremental approach to fostering positive change. In my travels across the state, I have seen the program at work in small towns, mid–size cities, urban centers and neighborhood commercial districts. It has had far greater impact than we ever could have imagined in 1985.” Of the awards, interim Executive Director Breann Bye remarked, "We're incredibly proud that the efforts of our businesses and volunteers have been recognized at a state-wide level. All of us involved with 6th Avenue Corridor feel the energy and momentum that has taken hold in our Urban Main Street District, and we were pleased to celebrate our accomplishments with other Iowans dedicated to improving their communities."