Jefferson Matters earned a few awards from Main Street Iowa and Iowa Economic Development Authority.

According to Main Street Iowa, Jefferson Matters won the Building Rehabilitation Award for The Centennial Block and a Special Event for Barbie By The Bells, both for the communities of under 5,000 population category.

Jefferson Matters Director Matt Wetrich says there was no doubt about The Centennial Block and its transformation that the all-woman organization of Why Not Us did to restore the entire building, after a water pipe burst and flooded the main floor. He points out that the restaurant, Centennial Cafe, is flourishing and there are two one-bedroom apartments in the upper story of the building. 

Wetrich notes that winning the Special Event Award for Barbie By The Bells was such a unique opportunity that was done two years ago where 500 Barbie dolls were on display.

“The Barbie By The Bells project won because of really the amount of people that it brought in, the impact that it had on the local economy. Kind of a creative way to utilize a neat resource being this huge Barbie donation, and the partnerships there, heavily driven by the (Greene County) Historical Society and a great tourism thing and just a local boost to the local businesses here in town.”

Wetrich says that one other recognition was for Volunteer Leadership, which Jefferson Matters named Jill Morton as their recipient. He explains the importance that Morton has had on their organization.

“She’s chaired the golf tournament for several years (and) that’s one of our best fundraisers all year. She’s helped out with Cruisin’ to the Square, Winter Festival and other things. Really one of our great cheerleaders and we know she’s speaking highly of the work that we do (at Jefferson Matters) in any room that she’s in. Really proud to be able to make her feel the love and take her up on stage and get recognized.”  

Wetrich adds that Jefferson Matters was also acknowledged, at the ceremony on Thursday, for being the Great American Main Street Award winner in 2024. He says because Main Street Iowa didn’t host an awards event last year, two years worth of events and accomplishments could be considered.