Awards of Excellence

Celebrating the Best of Main Street

People dedicated to vibrant downtowns – you’ll find them hard at work in communities across Connecticut. CMSC recognizes the exceptional accomplishments of individuals and communities who work to preserve and reinvigorate our historic main streets with our prestigious awards:

CMSC Founder’s Award, presented by Eversource: This award is presented in recognition of individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to promoting an awareness of the necessity of a comprehensive management approach to the revitalization of Connecticut’s historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
The Jack Shannahan Award for Public Service: This award recognizes public and private sector individuals and organizations that exemplify a high standard of leadership with a deep commitment to the success of Connecticut’s Main Streets.
The Quentin Williams Downtown Hero Award: This new award honors the legacy of state Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams. Q was a great friend of CMSC and a champion for all of Connecticut’s downtowns. This award honors those who embody his greatest strengths, including tireless advocacy, working collaboratively to achieve common goals, bringing a multitude of voices to the fore, and working to create downtowns that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Awards of Excellence: These awards honor CMSC members – the people, communities and organizations – whose exceptional efforts are contributing to thriving downtowns in Connecticut.

Cover photo credit: Bswope Photo