JJ Mundi gets award for Best Business Innovation-for the successful transition from bridal to contemporary women's fashion and for drawing customers from such distances to shop-from the Durant Main Street organization.  Read more in the article from the Durant Daily Democrat...

Askins, Gumm speak at Main Street banquet

July 1st, 2009

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins spoke and many awards were handed out during the Durant Main Street Annual meeting and awards ceremony held Tuesday at the Massey Building in downtown Durant.

State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm emceed the event and talked about the changes the Main Street Program, founded in 1997, brought to the downtown.

Gumm recalled that 13 years ago, many were ready to give up on the downtown, but now the Main Street Program is the best in the state.

Durant Main Street is one of 42 in the state and in my judgment, the best of the 42, Gumm said.

Askins, who was sworn in as Oklahoma's 15th Lt. Gov. in 2007, spoke about the importance of a thriving downtown and how it can help with recruiting new businesses, including ones that would be outside the Main Street district. She said that business prospects always drive through Main Street.

Because that's (the downtown) a reflection of the pride you have in your community, Askins said.

Askins said the Main Street Program is one of the best public/private entities that a community can have.
It's not just about a few blocks of the business district of the city, Askins said. It's about the heartbeat of the city.

Albert Curtis, owner of Curtis Jewelry, received the business of the year award. A long-time supporter of the Main Street Program, Curtis came to the rescue again and secured the building on North Second Avenue that the Main Street office occupies.

Dr. Larry Minks, who assumes duties today as Southeastern Oklahoma State University's interim president, was recognized, and SE received special recognition as a business outside the Main Street District. This award was presented to SE for several projects, including the renovation of the Massey Building, outstanding service by student groups and building a better Durant.

Cindi Gill received an award as board member of the year and also a plaque for serving as president of the board.

Linda Barnett, director of the Oklahoma Main Street program, presented certificates to Statewide Award finalists. These were: Durant Main Street (best volunteer development), Durant High School Service Learning Project (youth involvement), Main Street Coffee Bar (facade rehab), Marie's (best business practices), Skating on the Square (creative new event), and Donna Dow, who has served as program manager for 12 years.

Lindsay Galloway of the Oklahoma Main Street program presented social networking awards to Caroline Hill of the Hollow Tree, Diane Gauthier of Balloons-N-Stuff, Kathy Hendrick and Suzanne Martin of SE OK Regional Economic Development, Alvina Ralls of Upper Crust for having special events, Lori Hill of Rural Enterprises, Melissa Holaday of Lifespan Counseling, Cindi Gill of Body Business and Donna Dow of Durant Main Street. Gill was received a certificate for optimizing use of Facebook and drawing customers to her business.

Gumm presented committee and volunteer awards to those who devote time to improving the downtown including a new award for the late Colton Sherrill's 11 years of volunteer efforts to Durant Main Street and other community organizations. Sherrill, who died last year, served alongside his parents Trace and Dena Sherrill.

Volunteers recognized were: Derrick Haworth, Taylor Roy, Patrick Southerland and the Durant High School Service Learning Project.

Hazel Southerland received the volunteer of the year award for her efforts to bring the ice skating rink to downtown Durant.

Dow presented framed posters to the three team members who helped with the ice rink, Carla Dillard, Gill and Southerland. Other awards presented in relation to the ice rink were the city for allowing space, Cardinal Glass for sponsorship, OG&E and Lewis Electric for providing electricity and KLBC and KTEN for media attention.

The downtown awards were then presented to the following businesses: Second Street Bakery, best interior design; Mickle Law Office, best building facade; Take 2 Boutique, best window display, and Bliss Boutique, best signage.

Durant Public Works Director Jerry Yandell received an award for best public improvement for Streetscape Phase III.

The best business innovation went to J.J. Mundi.

Members of the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival performed at the banquet.

At the conclusion of the banquet Gill presented Dow with a gift for her dedication to Durant Main Street since it was founded in 1997. Gill said that Dow has worked all hours of the day and night, plus weekends.

The board is going to send her on vacation for a week to the resort of her choice, Gill said.

The Durant Daily Democrat - July 1, 2009 Edition