Alton Main Street presented with economic impact award by Lt. Gov. Stratton

Illinois Main Street, a statewide coordinating program of Main Street America, recently announced the 2025 Lt. Governor Awards for Excellence in Revitalization during the Illinois Main Street Conference held in Dixon, Ill. The program recognized more than two dozen projects, organizations, and local leaders who are transforming downtowns and neighborhood business districts in communities of all sizes across the state.

Alton Main Street was honored for a study that was completed in partnership with the Economics Department of Principia College. The study calculated a $1.1M annual economic impact of the Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market, a long-running event that generates significant new local spending, supports entrepreneurs, and draws over 45,000 visitors to Alton’s riverfront each season.

Co-hosted by Joi Cuartero Austin of Main Street America and Quinn Adamowski of Landmarks Illinois, the awards celebrated excellence across the Main Street America Four Point Approach™, Design, Economic Vitality, Organization, and Promotion, as well as outstanding volunteers and board members whose leadership powers local revitalization work.

“Main Streets across Illinois are the backbone of our local economies, and these awards show just how much heart and creativity our communities bring to the table” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “From new gathering spaces that bring neighbors together to the rehabilitation of historic buildings to honor our past, these projects reflect the pride, imagination, and hard work that make our towns strong. It’s clear Illinois’ future is in good hands.”

Projects recognized this year ranged from transformative physical improvements and entrepreneur and business support, including vacant space open house to youth and next-generation leadership and storytelling and destination marketing, including bilingual campaigns.

“These awards shine a light on the creativity, persistence, and collaboration happening block by block in Illinois downtowns,” said Erik Reader, director of Illinois Main Street. “From façade rehabs and wayfinding to business bootcamps, farmers markets, and bilingual marketing campaigns, these efforts are strengthening local economies and helping more people feel at home in their Main Street districts.”

Illinois Main Street also honored outstanding volunteerism and board leadership, reminding attendees that Main Street is, above all, a people-powered movement.

“In every community we work with, the difference-makers are the volunteers and board members who show up early, stay late, and keep the long view in mind,” said Joi Cuartero Austin, senior program officer for Main Street America. “The individuals recognized this year embody that spirit and set the bar for what community leadership can look like.”

To learn about all of this year’s awardees, visit https://www.ilmainstreet.org/news/2025-lt-governor-awards-for-excellence-in-revitalization.

For more information on the many ways that Alton Main Street is working to enhance and promote Alton’s historic downtown district, visit www.DowntownAlton.com.