Schiller honored at annual Main Street Iowa awards celebration

To The Press

Steven Schiller of Charles City was among the Leadership Award volunteers honored at the 33rd annual Main Street Iowa Awards celebration held Friday in Des Moines.

The program honors the efforts of those who work to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and honor outstanding accomplishments, activities and people making a difference in the state’s Main Street districts.

“Main Street Iowa has stood the test of time since its introduction in 1985,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority.

“We continue to see significant growth in the amount of business, jobs and investment in communities of all sizes due to the program,” she said. “As a result, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s possible for Iowa’s downtowns.”

She said Iowa’s program “has been a national model because we are creative, we embrace change, and we demand local initiative and action.”

“The Main Street Approach works,” Durham said.

Schiller was selected by Community Revitalization, Charles City’s Main Street Iowa program, as its Outstanding Volunteer and Leadership Award winner.

A member of the Design Committee since 2016 and board of directors since 2017, Schiller “provides valuable input at monthly meetings and is among the first to volunteer for events and activities,” according to the nomination.

“He leads by example in his willingness to volunteer his time, co-organizing a Hometown Scavenger Hunt, decorating the Santa House, and helping with Ring Toss and Home Tour fundraisers.”

Schiller was accompanied to the Des Moines ceremony by his wife, Connie, as well as Community Development Director Mark Wicks and his wife, Lisa. He was recognized on stage by Durham, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg.

Two Charles City businesses were also nominated in the competitive award categories.

The Unique Country Store & More was nominated for Business of the Year, while Saint Charles Brewing Company was nominated for Terrific Total Building Rehabilitation.

In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach to district revitalization by establishing Main Street Iowa within the agency that is now the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Since 1986, local Main Street programs have helped in the start of 4,805 new businesses and a net gain of 14,938 jobs; more than 12,000 building projects with a total private investment of more than $1.96 billion; and more than 3 million hours of volunteer time.

To learn more about Charles City’s Community Revitalization program, call 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.