Main Street Iowa recognized 13 projects during its annual awards celebration Friday evening. The awards honor efforts to revitalize downtown districts and outstanding accomplishments, activities and people who are making a difference in their communities. The 13 projects were selected from among 76 projects which were submitted. Awards were presented by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, executive director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, during the ceremony at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Des Moines. In addition, 43 leadership awards were presented for inspirational leadership and volunteer contributions to local Main Street programs. In a news release, Durham said the Main Street program is a “powerful economic development tool” that has led to a “significant growth in business, jobs and investment in communities of all sizes.” The full list of award recipients can be found on the IEDA’s website. Among the highlights was the presentation of the Spirit of Main Street Award, which was presented to the network of 53 local Main Street executive directors for their commitment to local economic development efforts through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and the recognition of eight communities for reaching milestones in the amount of private investment in their commercial districts. The event also featured the recognition of Jefferson and Mount Vernon for recently being named Great American Main Street Award semifinalists by Main Street America.