Highland Township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) captured the Spirit of Main Street award, as nine downtowns were honored on May 5 during Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event, a gala celebration recognizing excellence in Oakland County downtown and historic commercial corridor revitalization.
Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) is a unique economic development program for downtowns, with a historic preservation philosophy and an emphasis on “sense of place.” The program helps local government develop their downtowns as vibrant, successful districts that serve as the heart of their communities.
Established in 2000, MSOC is the nation’s first and only county-wide coordinating Main Street program.
“These downtowns are what make Oakland County such a vibrant and attractive place for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs. The Main Street program is an essential partner, providing resources, training and grants that have helped communities navigate and emerge from the challenges of the last two years.”
-Oakland County Executive David Coulter
Spirit of Main Street award
The Highland Township DDA received a $2,000 cash award from Genisys Credit Union as the “Spirit of Main Street” winner for its unique video themed “Live Highland, Shop Highland,” highlighting community businesses like Maher Feed and Pet Supply, Comeback Inn, and Jeni’s Ugly Pies.
The video chronicles how the Highland DDA and community came together to support local businesses during the pandemic, including $28,000 in business support grants from the Highland DDA and a community-driven crowdfunding campaign that raised $100,000 to support the Comeback Inn.
Main Street Awards
Nearly 200 people attended Main Street Oakland County’s Main Event, recognizing and honoring communities, businesses, and volunteers for their efforts to preserve and energize their downtowns. The other winners were:
- Main Street Leader: Ken VanPortfliet, Lake Orion
- Main Street Safe: Downtown Collaboration Studio, Rochester
- Main Street Open: COVID Relief in the Circuit Social District, Pontiac
- Main Street Innovator: Rod Charles, Oxford
- Power in Our Places: Welcome Back to Ortonville Mural, Ortonville
- Campaign for Main Street: #Stronger Together, Oxford and Lake Orion
- Transforming the Economy: The Syndicate Social District, Farmington
- Program on the Rise: Wednesdays in Wixom, Wixom
The judging panel was comprised of experts in historic preservation and economic development, including:
- Elizabeth Chase, Nebraska Main Street Network, Inc.
- Theresa Doan, Genisys Credit Union
- Kitty Dougood, Kentucky Heritage Council
- Elizabeth King, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
- Tad Krear, Land Design Studio
- Kathy La Plante, National Main Street Center
- Dominic Romano, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
- Ray Scriber, Louisiana Main Street
- Cristina Sheppard-Decius, POW! Strategies, Inc.
- Tony Tomczak, DTE Energy
- Dana Walker, Michigan Downtown Association
The event’s sponsors included the DTE Foundation, as the presenting sponsor; Genisys Credit Union, SMART; McLaren Oakland; Dobrusin Strategic Intellectual Property Law; and the Oakland County Business Finance Corporation.
Coulter also recognized and welcomed Lyon Township and the Huron Corridor – Pontiac as the newest members of the MSOC program. Other highlights of the event included the keynote presentation by nationally renowned Mary Means, founder of the national Main Street program; and recognition of Auburn Hills and South Lyon advancing to the Partner Program level.
Oakland County cultivates entrepreneurs, attracts talent and investment, promotes cutting-edge technology, and strives for an economy that works for all people and businesses of all sizes as part of the Thriving and Inclusive Economy goal in our five-year road map.
To learn more, connect with Oakland County Economic Development on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
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