Athens Main Street awarded “Excellence in Business Development” + more

There’s no denying that Athens has come a long way over the years, and I’d like to think that a lot of the growing attraction towards the city is because of Athens Main Street.

Athens Main Street is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance downtown Athens while protecting its historical charm, and is one of 34 Designated Main Streets in the state. At the twelfth annual Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence Banquet, Athens Main Street was recognized for its impact on the community and selected for three awards by the Awards of Excellence committee.

Excellence in Planning and Public Space

Athens Main Street was recognized for the multi-phase project that completely transformed this farmer’s market into something more accessible, safe and appealing with public art and landscaping. This project has benefitted the community and small businesses by offering fresh foods and a space to connect with others all in one place.

• Where: 409 W. Green St, Athens, AL 35611
• When: Saturdays | now-September 27, 2025 | 8AM-Noon

Excellence in Volunteer Development

Athens Main Street has had ongoing support from its volunteers, and just introduced a new volunteer program this year: the Hype Team. Earning another award, the Hype Team’s mission is to strengthen community connection and expand volunteer engagement through social media. The team has helped the Athens Main Street district and events like Fridays After Five reach a larger audience.

Fun fact: Athens Main Street broke their attendance record with 5,000+ attendees at their last Fridays After Five of the season.

Here’s what one of the Hype Team members has to say about her experience:

“I’ve been volunteering with Athens Main Street since high school. It’s been a joy to now serve on the new Hype Team amongst other involved community members. Our small town is making big waves in North, AL, and the Hype Team is helping spread the word!”

Elizabeth Hobbs, Content Producer for Hville Blast

Excellence in Business Development

Athens Main Street was recognized and honored for their quick response to the EF-1 tornado that struck the downtown Athens area on December 28, 2024. The Business Storm Relief Fund saw how the tornado brought severe financial strain to small businesses and sought to provide business interruption grants.

Thanks to the generosity of community-minded companies and over 60 individual donors, $21,250 was raised and distributed amongst four local businesses damaged most severely by the storm.

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