A HelloNation feature
An editorial profile, written by our team, about the honoree's expertise, their years of service, and what they've given back to their community.
The HelloNation Main Street Award
Honoring the people who keep their towns running
The Main Street Award recognizes experts and long-standing business owners who have served the same community for a decade or more and made it better along the way.
About the award
Every town has a few people it couldn't do without
They're the contractor who has fixed half the roofs on the block, the accountant who walks first-time owners through their first tax season, the florist who sponsors the Little League team every spring. Their expertise and their commitment to the neighborhood go together.
HelloNation built its platform on the knowledge of local experts like these. The Main Street Award is how we say thank you. It honors people who have spent years earning their community's trust and have given back to it.
Honorees are recognized year-round. There's no annual deadline and no competition between nominees. Each nomination is judged on its own merits.
Who qualifies
Four things we look for
Honorees can be HelloNation experts or long-standing local business owners. Every honoree meets the longevity requirement. Our editors then weigh the other three criteria together.
Required · 10+ years
Longevity
At least ten years of serving the same community through their profession or business.
Community ties
Local involvement
Volunteering, sponsorships, mentoring, civic boards, or everyday generosity that neighbors notice.
Expertise
Knowledge worth sharing
Deep, practical knowledge in their field, and a habit of using it to help people make better decisions.
Reputation
Earned trust
A record of honest work and fair dealing. The kind of name people pass along when a friend asks who to call.
How it works
From nomination to recognition
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Nominate
Anyone can submit a nomination: a customer, a colleague, a neighbor, or the nominee themselves. Tell us who they are and how they serve their community.
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Editorial review
HelloNation's editorial team reviews each nomination against the criteria and may reach out to the nominee or nominator to learn more.
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Recognition
Honorees are notified, featured in a HelloNation article, and announced in a press release.
Nominations are reviewed on a rolling basis, so there's no deadline and no waiting for an annual ceremony.
What honorees receive
Their story, told well
A press release announcement
A release announcing the honoree's recognition, distributed nationally so their community and industry hear the news.
A note on our editorial standards: HelloNation features center on people and their expertise. In keeping with our standards, the feature article on HelloNation does not include business names, logos, or links. The press release can name the honoree's business.
Honorees
Recognized so far
Phil Mitchell
Sunset Auto Group
Leads a Sumner dealership that began as a gas station in the early 1900s. He donates vehicles and engines to Sumner High School's automotive program, sponsors Sunset Stadium, and helps fund local athletics and scholarships.
Read the announcementGavin Brownlie
President & CEO, Crosby Brownlie
Leads a mechanical contracting firm founded in 1979. He mentors young tradespeople, builds apprenticeship programs, and creates partnerships that support stable jobs across the region.
“Our people bring skill, pride, and purpose to every project.”Read the announcement
Questions
Frequently asked
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations get the same review as any other.
Does the nominee need to be a HelloNation expert already?
No. The award is open to HelloNation experts and to long-standing business owners who meet the criteria.
Is there a deadline?
No. We accept nominations year-round and review them as they come in.
Will I hear back about my nomination?
Our editorial team reviews every nomination. If we need more information, or when the nominee is selected, we'll contact you at the email you provide.
Why doesn't the HelloNation feature mention the honoree's business by name?
HelloNation is an expert-advice platform, not an advertising directory. Our features focus on the honoree's knowledge and contributions and follow the same standards as everything else we publish.
Nominate
Know someone who belongs on this list?
Tell us about them. A few specific examples of how they serve their community will help us most.