CONCORD, NH – On Monday, May 19, the Community Development Finance Authority’s Downtown Resource Center held its Excellence Awards, “Grand Slam Downtown”, at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH. Awards were given to the best projects and the most outstanding people in New Hampshire’s designated Main Street Communities. 

The most prestigious award of the evening went to Berlin as the 2007 Outstanding Main Street Community of the Year.  This award recognizes the Main Street Community that has shown outstanding organizational development, implemented exceptional promotional events, and shown improvements in the physical environment, including building and streetscape improvements, and economic vitality. The Berlin Main Street Program received a $2,000 cash prize to be used to help fund a specific project chosen by the organization.

At the event, the following communities won awards (communities listed in alpha order):

• Berlin
  2007 Outstanding Main Street Community of the Year - $2,000 award from CDFA Downtown Resource Center Best Event: Thunder in the Mountains
  
• Concord
  Top Economic Restructuring Story: Red River Theatres
  Best Public Improvement Project: Capital Commons Parking Garage
  
• Goffstown
  Best New Construction Project: Goffstown Ace Hardware
  Honorable Mention-Best Event: Goffstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off and Regatta
  
• Jaffrey
  Best Building Rehabilitation, $150,000 or more: Great Bridge Properties
  Main Street Community Hero of the Year: Jaffrey Selectmen
  
• Lisbon
  Best Printed Publication: 2007 Annual Report
  
• Meredith
  Best Public/Private Partnership: Greater Meredith Career Partnership Program
  
• Ossipee                                   
  Main Street Manager of the Year: Sarah Millette
  Best Fundraising Project: Chef’s Pants Off
  
• Plymouth
  Best Building Rehabilitation, $20,000 to $150,000: Pemi Youth Center
  
• Wilton
  Best Building Preservation Success Story: Wilton and Gregg Free Library
  

 
A special award, “Main Street Statewide Hero’s of the Year”, was given to the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Public Service of New Hampshire. They were nominated by the NH Main Street Communities for their ongoing support, both financial and human. This past year, their commitment to Main Street Communities throughout the state was instrumental by subsidizing nearly 80% of each Main Street Community’s newly required membership fee to the DRC. This support made a difference in the ability of local Main Street programs to remain viable and continue their revitalization work.

Awards were also given to an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year from each Main Street Community.  The presenting sponsor was Public Service of New Hampshire. 

Jurors for the Downtown Excellence Awards included Sarah Hansen, Project Manager for the Architectural Heritage Foundation, Inc, in Boston, MA; Jason Hoch, Town Manager of Plaistow, NH; and Alan S. Manoian, AICP, Economic Development Officer for Hampshire First Bank in Nashua, NH. 

The Downtown Resource Center (DRC) is the CDFA’s newest community and economic program offered to all New Hampshire communities. The DRC provides high quality revitalization resources and services that communities need to successfully strengthen their downtowns. CDFA invests in community-based affordable housing and economic development projects that make New Hampshire a better place to live and work.  For more information about CDFA, the DRC, including how to become a member, please call 603.226.2170 or visit www.nhcdfa.org.