Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley Main Street and the City of Foley received statewide recognition for their work in the Downtown Foley District. Main Street Alabama announced the honors at its 13th annual Awards of Excellence Banquet. Energy Southeast and the Alabama Black Belt National Heritage Area sponsored the banquet, held in Enterprise, Alabama. The awards were then presented at the Foley City Council meeting.

The banquet took place last month, and the council presentation was held on September 8, 2026. Both the city and Foley Main Street received Awards of Excellence. The recognition highlighted years of planning, investment, and community partnership. Each award highlighted a different aspect of downtown Foley's growth.

The City of Foley received the Public Space Improvements Award of Excellence for the East Jessamine Street Improvement Project. The project marks the successful completion of a 15-year vision to create a more walkable, connected community. Designers transformed the streets into a "complete street" layout, creating a new gateway to the downtown district.

The project links City Hall, the library, and Riviera Utilities to Heritage Park and the Pedestrian Bridge over Alabama 59. Symmetric walkways surround the Centennial Clock Tower, complemented by decorative lighting and traditional brick architecture. Traffic-calming measures, including mid-block crossings and context-sensitive lane widths, were added to improve safety. The project was completed in May 2025 and came in under its $524,965 budget.

Foley Main Street earned the Business Development Award of Excellence for its Downtown Forward Skills for Success program. The initiative featured three workshops led by staff from the Auburn School of Business. It provided small businesses and their employees with personalized, small-group assistance to help them grow and compete in today's market.

Sessions were offered in the morning and evening to accommodate working schedules. By partnering with First Foley Baptist Church, organizers provided childcare during sessions. Downtown restaurants provided breakfast and dinner for participants throughout the program.

All 90 attendees received the book "This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters" by Drew Dudley. The book redefines leadership as a daily practice of living one's core values, accessible to everyone — not just those in formal positions. Dudley's Leading with Lollipops concept teaches that while people may not always control what needs to be done, they are always in charge of who they are.

Main Street Alabama Executive Director Stephanie Wirth spoke about the night's significance. "The night was a wonderful reminder of why this work matters," said Wirth. "It is an honor for me to present the awards, and seeing the pride each community has in its Main Street district was truly inspiring."

Wirth continued to praise the statewide effort. "Our local Main Street programs are doing meaningful work across Alabama, and the Main Street Four-Point Approach continues to help communities build on what makes them special while preserving the places that tell their story."

Each local Main Street program also selected a Main Street Hero. These individuals were honored at the Toast to Heroes Reception, sponsored by Regions Bank, before the main banquet. Darrell Russell and his Foley Public Works Team were selected for the positive impact they had on behalf of Foley Main Street and the broader Foley community.

Foley Main Street President Wes Abrams praised the team's character as much as their work ethic. "What truly sets the Foley Public Works team apart is not just their workmanship, but their character. Their positive attitude makes them a joy to work with for business owners as well as Foley Main Street." Abrams added: "By combining pride with a genuine commitment to public service, the City of Foley Public Works team has earned our Community Leader Award."

Alabama State Representative Frances Holk-Jones surprised the group at the event. She presented two House of Representatives Resolutions — one honoring Darrell Russell and the City of Foley Public Works Department for Hometown Hero recognition, and another honoring Foley Main Street for its national accreditation.

Main Street Alabama is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes public-private partnerships and broad community engagement. Its strategies aim to create jobs, attract new investment, draw visitors, and spur growth in core commercial districts. The organization currently serves 36 Designated and 34 Network Main Street Alabama communities. A full list is available at mainstreetalabama.org/our-communities. 

Foley Main Street is a nonprofit dedicated to economic vitality, historic preservation, and community development in Downtown Foley. The organization strengthens the downtown district through partnerships, events, and business support. More information is available at foleymainstreet.com.