Charles City’s Levey among volunteers honored at Main Street Iowa event

To The Press

Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration Friday evening, April 19, in Des Moines, honoring the efforts of local leaders who work to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street districts.

Among those recognized on stage was Main Street Charles City Leadership Award honoree Barry Levey for his many selfless volunteer activities in the community.

Charles City Community Development Director Mark Wicks was also recognized as one of Main Street Iowa’s veteran Tenured Executive Directors (TEDs). Wicks is in his 11th year at the helm of the local volunteer-driven non-profit organization.

Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and Michael Wagler, Main Street Iowa state coordinator, presented the honors.

“The Main Street Iowa program stands as one of the nation’s most distinguished, as witnessed from the award-winning projects in rehabilitation, business recruitment and support, façade improvement, housing, placemaking and special events,” said Durham. “It’s evident that Main Street Iowa communities thrive under passionate leadership, achieving remarkable success.”

Wagler said, “Seeing the impactful efforts of local Main Street program staff, volunteers and communities is inspiring. With significant growth in businesses jobs, and investments across communities of all sizes, these districts serve as inspiring examples of what’s achievable for Iowa’s downtowns.”

Charles City has been an official Main Street Iowa community since 1996, when it was originally known as Community Revitalization. Main Street Charles City is a 501c(3) non-profit, supported by volunteer power and voluntary investments from the community, that is committed to preserving, enhancing and beautifying the downtown district to make it “the place to be.”

Main Street Iowa was established in 1985 and operates as a part of the IEDA’s Downtown Resource Center. Since its inception, the Main Street Iowa program has had a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, including more than $2.7 billion in private investments, more than 3.8 million volunteer hours, more than 5,500 new businesses created and more than 16,600 jobs.

For more information about Main Street Iowa and how all Iowa communities can access commercial revitalization assistance through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, visit iowaeda.com/downtown-resource-center or call 515-348-6184. To learn more about Main Street Charles City, call 641-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.