Brunswick Main Street Receives State Award

On May 19, Maryland Main Street recognized the Brunswick Main Street program, under the leadership of Patrick Kay, Director, and Richard Pearrell, Chairman of the Board, with its award for Organizational Excellence - one of five awards presented annually.

The Organization Committee of Brunswick Main Street, chaired by Abbie Ricketts, was cited for results that included: a year that saw a 27% increase in membership money contributions, and a 200% increase in new members since 2009. As well, other fund raising efforts were cited for ensuring the continued operation and viability of the local Main Street program, and developing "consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders."

The award was presented by Raymond Skinner, Secretary, Department of Housing and Community Development. Tim Murphy, Assistant State Main Street Coordinator, was the event's Master of Ceremonies, held at the Maryland Inn, Annapolis. City Councilman Angel White and Diane Ellis, Secretary of Brunswick Main Street, also were in attendance.

"Winning an award from the Maryland State Main Street program is such an honor for Brunswick Main Street," Abbie points out. "Our volunteers have put in many hours to build the capacity of the organization and their efforts have been outstanding. We thank them all. But most importantly, we thank all of our donors and sponsors. Without them we could not survive. Thank you for believing in our mission and having faith that we can reach our goals."

The Brunswick Main Street mission is to re-vitalize downtown Brunswick as an attractive and lively city center that improves the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits here.

"One of the main reasons we got this award is that we raised 87% of our budget ourselves with only 13% coming from the City of Brunswick," Director Kay emphasized. "In the State of Maryland the other 22 Main Streets keep an average donation from their City at about 40%. We haven't just maintained in such a bad economy; we have excelled. We have increased membership donations by more than 75% in the past 2 years. That's impressive in my book."

He added: "We are continuing to focus on growing the organization and bringing new businesses to Brunswick. To bring people downtown, we have a series of events planned under the title of 'Saturdays in Railroad Town.' The next event scheduled takes place Saturday, June 4 - 'Taste of Brunswick and the Downhill Mile Race,' the evening begins at 4 p.m."