Main Street officials recognize Sidney winners; Neb. Lt. Gov. Lavon Keidemann on hand to present awards

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Lavon Heidemann presented awards to the Sidney winners of the 2012 Nebraska Main Street Program during his visit Wednesday at 12 p.m. at City Hall.

According to Elizabeth Chase, the Director of Nebraska Main Street, to apply for the program Nebraska main street communities must submit nominations from their community for 18 different categories that focus on downtown revitalization efforts.

A team of judges then selectthe winners, who are presented with the award in their town.

Main street communities include Alliance, Beatrice, Falls City, Fremont, Grand Island, Kearney, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Sidney, Wayne and York, and cities participating in the associate member program are Bassett, Elkhorn, Hastings, Lexington, McCook, Norfolk, and Schuyler, according to Chase.

The City of Sidney, as well as town businesses, won several awards for the year 2012.

The City of Sidney Main Street Program was recognized for consistently meeting the reporting deadline for the program each month, and Historic Downtown Sidney was recognized for earning national accreditation from the National Trust Main Street Center.

Historic Downtown Sidney’s “Main Street Matters” public relations and social media project received a Communication, Marketing and Image Award of Excellence, and a Retail Event Award of Excellence was given to Historic Downtown Sidney, for its annual Diva Day.

Two Sidney businesses, Financial Partners and Sam & Louie’s Pizzeria, received an Interior Improvement Commercial Award for their “outstanding interior rehabilitation projects.”

The Nebraska Main Street Program’s Sidney Volunteer of the Year went to Dona Fraas for supporting Historic Downtown Sidney’s growth.

Business of the year went to the Sidney Sun-Telegraph.