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News Release

Albany Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals, among which three were awarded to the Albany Downtown Association.
 

2025 Main Street Resiliency Award: Monteith Square, Albany

The 2025 Resilience Award recognizes the Monteith Square building in downtown Albany for its remarkable restoration and impact on the community. Once a thriving 1920s hub, the building had deteriorated over time and even partially collapsed, leading many to believe it should be torn down. Instead, owner Beverly Bartley-Nagamoto, along with architect Christina Larson of Varitone Architecture and contractor Matt Pyburn of Pyburn & Sons, led a thoughtful renovation that preserved its historic character while making it safe and functional for modern use. Today, Monteith Square is home to Precision Golf Studio and serves as a vibrant part of downtown, showing how determination and collaboration can bring new life to an important historic building.
 

2025 Business of the Year Award: No Dinx, Albany

The 2025 Business of the Year Award recognizes No Dinx, a woman-owned creative business that has been a cornerstone of downtown Albany since 1989. What began as a small screen-printing shop has grown into a full-service company offering custom apparel, branding, signage, and vehicle wraps from two downtown locations. Owners Nina and Corey Barton, along with their daughter Paris, lead a team that not only delivers high-quality design and branding but also invests deeply in the community—donating more than $40,000 in services and sponsorships in 2024 alone. From supporting local nonprofits and events to volunteering time and resources to improve downtown, No Dinx demonstrates how small businesses can drive both economic vitality and community spirit.
 

Standout Volunteer Certificate: Beth Walker, Albany Downtown Association

In addition to the Excellence on Main Awards, Beth Walker was one of six recipients who received recognition as a Standout Volunteer for contributions to their local main street organization. Beth has energized every corner of her downtown—from co-chairing Promotions and organizing events to leading fundraising efforts and recruiting volunteers. Through her business, La Belle Boutique, and countless personal connections, Beth spreads enthusiasm, supports local businesses, and keeps cherished events like the annual toy run alive. With her infectious smile and boundless dedication, Beth lights up Main Street and inspires us all.
 

“The Albany Downtown Association and its partners show us what’s possible when vision, hard work, and community spirit come together,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “From preserving a landmark building, to championing a creative local business, to celebrating a dedicated volunteer, these awards highlight the many ways people are keeping downtown Albany vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.

Albany Among Recipients Of “Excellence On Main” Awards - 10/08/25

SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Main Street announced its 2025 “Excellence on Main” award winners on October 8 during the Opening Session of the Main Street conference in downtown Albany. Created in 2010, the annual Excellence on Main awards honor outstanding efforts to sustain and enhance historic downtowns across the state. This year's edition saw the acknowledgment of 11 remarkable projects, activities, and individuals, among which three were awarded to the Albany Downtown Association.
 

2025 Main Street Resiliency Award: Monteith Square, Albany

The 2025 Resilience Award recognizes the Monteith Square building in downtown Albany for its remarkable restoration and impact on the community. Once a thriving 1920s hub, the building had deteriorated over time and even partially collapsed, leading many to believe it should be torn down. Instead, owner Beverly Bartley-Nagamoto, along with architect Christina Larson of Varitone Architecture and contractor Matt Pyburn of Pyburn & Sons, led a thoughtful renovation that preserved its historic character while making it safe and functional for modern use. Today, Monteith Square is home to Precision Golf Studio and serves as a vibrant part of downtown, showing how determination and collaboration can bring new life to an important historic building.
 

2025 Business of the Year Award: No Dinx, Albany

The 2025 Business of the Year Award recognizes No Dinx, a woman-owned creative business that has been a cornerstone of downtown Albany since 1989. What began as a small screen-printing shop has grown into a full-service company offering custom apparel, branding, signage, and vehicle wraps from two downtown locations. Owners Nina and Corey Barton, along with their daughter Paris, lead a team that not only delivers high-quality design and branding but also invests deeply in the community—donating more than $40,000 in services and sponsorships in 2024 alone. From supporting local nonprofits and events to volunteering time and resources to improve downtown, No Dinx demonstrates how small businesses can drive both economic vitality and community spirit.
 

Standout Volunteer Certificate: Beth Walker, Albany Downtown Association

In addition to the Excellence on Main Awards, Beth Walker was one of six recipients who received recognition as a Standout Volunteer for contributions to their local main street organization. Beth has energized every corner of her downtown—from co-chairing Promotions and organizing events to leading fundraising efforts and recruiting volunteers. Through her business, La Belle Boutique, and countless personal connections, Beth spreads enthusiasm, supports local businesses, and keeps cherished events like the annual toy run alive. With her infectious smile and boundless dedication, Beth lights up Main Street and inspires us all.
 

“The Albany Downtown Association and its partners show us what’s possible when vision, hard work, and community spirit come together,” said Sheri Stuart, state coordinator of Oregon Main Street. “From preserving a landmark building, to championing a creative local business, to celebrating a dedicated volunteer, these awards highlight the many ways people are keeping downtown Albany vibrant and welcoming for generations to come.”
 

The Excellence on Main awards underscore the diverse facets of the Main Street Approach™, a comprehensive strategy developed by the National Main Street Center, which is embraced by Oregon Main Street Network communities. Through this approach, communities thrive by leveraging innovative projects, community-focused programs, and historic preservation to improve their vitality and enrich residents' lives.
 

The Oregon Main Street program empowers local economies, fosters community connections, and enhances the overall appeal of the state. The network of local Main Streets working within the Oregon Main Street program is a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative efforts, nurturing vibrant environments for residents, visitors, and workers alike. Discover more about the Oregon Main Street program's influence by visiting www.oregonmainstreet.org.