GADSDEN– Downtown Gadsden Inc. announced Aug. 21 that it earned three statewide awards during Main Street Alabama’s annual conference in Enterprise.

The conference also recognized Gadsden Museum of Art Director Ray Wetzel as Downtown Gadsden’s Main Street Hero. Overall, the honors highlighted partnerships, historic preservation, and revitalization efforts in the city’s downtown district.

During the 13th annual Awards of Excellence Banquet, the committee presented Downtown Gadsden with the Enduring Alliance Award. The award recognized Exchange Bank of Alabama’s vital partnership with the organization.

Meanwhile, the revitalization of The Green Room at the historic Pitman Theatre earned the Public/Private Partnership Award.

In addition, the Hardin Building Restoration Project received the Historical Rehabilitation Award.

Mary Helmer Wirth, president and state coordinator of Main Street Alabama, said the banquet highlighted the dedication of local programs across the state.

“Last night was a wonderful reminder of why this work matters,” Wirth said. “It is an honor for me to present the awards and seeing the pride each community has in its Main Street district was truly inspiring. Our local Main Street programs are doing meaningful work across Alabama, and the Main Street Four-Point Approach continues to help communities build on what makes them special while preserving the places that tell their story.”

Local programs also selected a Main Street Hero to recognize an individual, business, or organization that made an outstanding contribution. The honorees received recognition during the Regions Bank-sponsored Toast to Heroes Reception before the banquet.

Downtown Gadsden selected Wetzel, director of the Gadsden Museum of Art, for his work and positive impact on downtown Gadsden.

“Nothing great happens on its own. It takes hard work and real commitment to this city,” Wetzel said. “That means showing up, wherever and whenever it’s needed, to get things done.”

Main Street Alabama promotes public-private partnerships and broad community involvement in downtown commercial districts. Through that work, the nonprofit supports job creation, new investment, visitor activity, and sustainable growth.

It also helps communities preserve the history, culture, and character that make each place distinctive.

Previously, Downtown Gadsden received three statewide awards during the 2025 Main Street Alabama conference.

Downtown Gadsden, Inc. Awarded Statewide Recognition at Main Street Alabama Conference

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