submitted by Amanda Nethero, New Height Communication
Clermont Main Street took home three statewide awards and was named host of the 2027 Annual Preservation on Main Street Conference during the Secretary of State’s Dinner, held July 23 as part of this year’s conference.
The Secretary of State’s Dinner is one of the signature events of the Annual Preservation on Main Street Conference, recognizing Main Street programs from across Florida for outstanding achievement in downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and community engagement. Clermont Main Street was recognized in three separate categories this year, a rare showing that highlights the depth and reach of the organization’s work in downtown Clermont.
Thomas Paine Telling Your Story Award
Clermont Main Street received the Thomas Paine Telling Your Story Award for its website rebranding, completed in partnership with Roots Creative Co. The award recognizes excellence in communicating a Main Street program’s identity, mission, and impact to the public, and reflects a yearlong effort to give Clermont Main Street a modern, cohesive digital presence that better tells the story of downtown Clermont.
Celebrating Main Street Award
The organization also earned the Celebrating Main Street Award for its America250 Flag Walk, a community event created to honor the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event brought residents together in downtown Clermont for a patriotic celebration that organizers say set the tone for a series of America250 programming still to come.
Four Point Patriot Award
Clermont Main Street received the Four Point Patriot Award for Clermont on Screen, a project born out of a historic structures survey conducted in partnership with Dalton Studio, LLC. That survey uncovered a lost piece of local industry: more than 50 films were shot in Clermont over the years, a chapter of the city’s history that had faded from public memory. Clermont Main Street brought that history back to life through Clermont on Screen, a dedicated website where residents and visitors can now explore the city’s film legacy. You can find the website at https://www.clermontonscreen.com.
In addition to the three awards, Clermont Main Street was announced as the host organization for the 2027 Annual Preservation on Main Street Conference, a distinction that will bring Main Street leaders, preservationists, and downtown advocates from across Florida to Clermont for the statewide gathering.
“These awards belong to our entire downtown community. Every one of them reflects work our team has poured ourselves into over the past year, from reimagining how we tell our story online to creating new ways for residents to connect with downtown Clermont. To be recognized three times in one night, and then be trusted to host our peers from across the state in 2027, is an incredible honor for this organization.” said Natalie Kahler, Executive Director of Clermont Main Street.
“On behalf of the board, I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has accomplished. These awards are a direct reflection of the vision and dedication that Natalie and her team bring to downtown Clermont every single day, and hosting the 2027 conference gives us the chance to show the rest of Florida what makes our Main Street program special,” said Patrick Bianchi, President of the Board of Directors for Clermont Main Street.
Clermont Main Street will spend the coming months preparing to welcome Main Street programs from across the state for the 2027 Annual Preservation on Main Street Conference, building on the momentum of this year’s recognition.
More information on Clermont Main Street’s programs, including the America250 Flag Walk and Clermont on Screen, is available at www.clermontdowntown.com.
About Clermont Main Street
Clermont Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit driven by Downtown Clermont business owners, local entrepreneurs, and residents who believe in the power of investing in the city’s historic core. Guided by the nationally recognized Four-Point Approach to revitalization—Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality—the program works to cultivate a thriving, connected, and resilient downtown. Its efforts are made possible through a blend of public funding, grants, memberships, sponsorships, and proceeds from community events that bring Downtown Clermont to life.
