Jefferson Matters Executive Director, Matt Wetrich, holds up plaque received during Main Street Now Conference on April 7 in Philadelphia, Penn.
Jefferson Matters celebrates the national recognition of winning the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). Jefferson Matters was one of the three main street organizations selected across the United States, for all the work in preservation and revitalization of commercial and downtown communities. Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich says out of the eight semi-finalists, Jefferson was the smallest community, but he is glad that didn’t discourage the organization from being established and successfully contributing to the Jefferson community.
Jefferson’s Mayor Craig Berry, gave credit to all the committee members and volunteers who sat down to establish Jefferson Matters. He says it was a 25-page application with several individuals all playing their part, but they got it in and they got it approved, and can continue showing how create of a community Jefferson is.
Jefferson Matters President Amy Milligan said it was such a privilege to be able to stand in front of the crowd and shout “We did it!”, being recognized for such a prestigious award.
Iowa Economic Development Authority Main Street Iowa State Coordinator, Carol Lilly, says in Jefferson Matters’s application, building restoration, business support, and improve entrepreneurial spirt were among the top factors of being selected for the award.
Wetrich says Jefferson Matters is not stopping here, that this award was just the fuel to keep the passion of the community alive and going, and great things will continue to come. He invites the community to a family friendly, GAMSA celebration Friday May 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate with everyone the great things that Jefferson Matters has and will continue to do for years to come.
Jefferson proudly displaying banners
Amy Milligan, Jefferson Matters President
Jefferson Mayor Craig Berry, displaying original “Jefferson Matters” t-shirt design
