Washington Trust for Historic Preservation

Excellence on Main Award

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Ballast Book Company

Award: Excellence on Main Award

Year: 2025

City: Bremerton

The Excellence on Main Award is an award that recognizes outstanding projects and people that reflect an attitude of perseverance and dedication to community revitalization in Washington. Ballast Book Company has been named the 2025 Excellence on Main Award recipient not only for the importance of its business to Bremerton but for its many contributions to the community over the decades.

Ballast Book Company opened in 2015 as a pop-up of Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo. When the business set out on its own, Kate Larson, an employee of Liberty Bay, came over to Bremerton to manage it. After a brief stint away, Kate returned to Bremerton and took over Ballast Book so the former owner could retire in June 2021. Since then, Kate has continued to steer Ballast Book Company as a community connector, recognizing it as a significant need in the community and transforming an already wonderful indie bookstore into an inclusive and welcoming place for community connection.

Ballast hosts numerous events (like midnight release parties and author talks) throughout the year, often in neighboring downtown Bremerton businesses. During such events as sell-out author talks at the Roxy Theatre with an author signing at a nearby brewery, Kate and her crew of bookeroos took advantage of the new visitors, waiting for their book to be signed or for the next ferry to head back to Seattle, to share about the great things to do in downtown Bremerton. Kate also hosts seven monthly book clubs, held in three different downtown business locations. These book clubs appeal to Bremerton’s mix of fantasy and sci fi-loving, queer, introverted, and quirky residents. One club—Wine and Silence, an hour-long session of reading your own book silently—brings upwards of two dozen people into a downtown wine bar on a Wednesday night every month.

The economic uncertainty that has prevailed this year has not stopped Kate’s never-ending passion for connecting people with books. Ballast’s stance is clear: no to book bans and yes to love and self-expression. Despite the economy, business remains brisk at Ballast, as the community knows and trusts where Kate stands as a business owner.

But her impact is more than her own success—it’s also the economic impact she promotes amongst her neighbors. Kate insists on being open seven days a week to support people coming downtown every day of the week and encourages her customers to visit and support other shops. Every sales receipt at Ballast also includes a coupon to use at the coffee shop next door. Every First Friday Art Walk, she invites a local artist or author to table at her store, increasing their exposure.

“Kate is a fearless and driven business owner. Her passion for downtown and small businesses is evident in everything she does. She is truly a remarkable example of an entrepreneur who puts community first,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “As Kate has said regarding her shop’s name, ‘The idea is that the ship of your life sometimes goes through storms, and books are the ballast that steady your ship.’ Well, we’d also say that Kate, her bookeroos, and her cozy shop of books are the ballast that are steadying downtown Bremerton.” Durham personally presented the Excellence on Main Award to Kate Larson, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Andra and John Mobley

Award: Leadership on Main

Year: 2025

City: Stevenson

The Leadership on Main Award is an award that recognizes an individual (or individuals) who has shown extraordinary dedication to their local Main Street over a significant period of time. Andra and John Mobley have been named the 2025 Leadership on Main Award recipients for their contributions as community leaders, business owners, and Main Street supporters.

Andra and John Mobley have called Stevenson home for decades, raising their family there and embedding their love for the place into A&J Market, an independent grocery store where Andra manages financials and HR and John leads operations and logistics. A&J Market is a vital employer in Stevenson, often the first job for high school students. Twelve staff have served 10+ years, eight have for more than 20 years, and two staff members have been with the store since it opened in 1995. This loyalty is sustained by a staff retirement plan, a 20% employee family discount, and team celebrations. The Mobleys’ personal commitment goes even further—they’ve driven through snowstorms to ensure staff could arrive safely and the community never lost grocery access.

A&J Market is more than a grocery store—it’s a symbol of generosity, longevity, and community identity. Andra and John have cultivated a business rooted in personal relationships and local investment. Since 2014, A&J’s Coupon Donation Program has raised more than $350,000 for local youth, education, and nonprofit causes. Today, the store sponsors virtually every event in town, from sports teams to local fundraisers, and is known for its quiet but consistent giving. In 2021, A&J became the third retailer in Washington certified for online EBT—after Amazon and Walmart—providing rural families with dignified, safe grocery access. And during the pandemic, A&J shared inventory with neighboring stores to prevent shortages, setting aside competition for the greater good.

In addition to the significant role they play as business owners, John and Andra are also involved in community groups including the Stevenson Downtown Association, chamber of commerce, county fair board, and local education foundation. Their volunteerism runs the gamut, from chairing boards to stringing lights and leading student kayaking expeditions.

“Through three decades of growth, change, and service, the Mobleys have kept A&J Market rooted in local values while adapting to meet new community needs,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “As Stevenson Downtown Association executive director Kelly O’Malley McKee puts it, ‘Their story is one of service without fanfare, sustained generosity, and quiet leadership—and Stevenson would not be the same without them.’” Durham personally presented the Leadership on Main Award to John and Andra Mobley, who were in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Kelly’s Hardware

Award: Legacy on Main

Year: 2025

City: Chelan

The Legacy on Main Award is an award that recognizes a small business that has stood the test of time and impacted generations of community members. Kelly’s Hardware has been named the 2025 Legacy on Main Award recipient not only for its longevity but for its many contributions to the community.

With roots dating back to 1925—when it was originally called Chelan Hardware and shared a building with Chelan State Bank—Kelly’s Hardware is woven into the fabric of downtown Chelan. In 1958, Wayne Kelly acquired the business, setting the stage for a remarkable family legacy that now spans three generations. Today, Kelly’s Hardware is the second oldest multi-generational business in downtown Chelan, operated by Wayne’s son, Pat Kelly, who is now mentoring his own son, Brogan, to carry the business forward. This continuity speaks not only to the strength of the Kelly family, but to their dedication to serving the needs of their community decade after decade.

More than just a hardware store, Kelly’s Hardware has become a trusted institution—a place where locals know they can find tools, parts, and trusted advice from people who know their names. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into the spirit of small-town hospitality. Its presence as a stable, enduring business has helped anchor downtown Chelan through periods of change and growth.

The Kelly family’s deep commitment to Chelan is perhaps most joyfully expressed through the Wayne Kelly Memorial Top Dog Parade, a beloved St. Patrick’s Day tradition held in honor of Pat’s late father Wayne. The parade always draws crowds, fostering connections and highlighting the best of small-town life—a reflection of the same values the Kelly family brings to their store.

“Multi-generational small businesses like Kelly’s Hardware play a critical role in sustaining vibrant downtowns. Kelly’s Hardware serves as an anchor of trust, consistency, and personal connection, all of which help build loyalty among customers and stability in the local economy,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “Through three generations, the Kelly family has built more than a business—they’ve built trust, tradition, and a lasting presence that continues to shape the identity of downtown Chelan.” Durham presented the Legacy on Main Award to Pat Kelly, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Owens Meats

Award: Legacy on Main

Year: 2025

City: Cle Elum

The Legacy on Main Award is an award that recognizes a small business that has stood the test of time and impacted generations of community members. Owens Meats has been named the 2025 Legacy on Main Award recipient not only for its longevity but for its many contributions to the community.

For more than 130 years, Owens Meats has been serving meat to families in Cle Elum and beyond. Likely the oldest continuously operated family business in Kittitas County and perhaps one of the oldest in the state, Owens Meats was founded in 1887 to provide quality food for coal miners and their families. Founder Morgan Owens saw firsthand how hard-working families needed reliable access to meat, often extending credit during tough times. Over the decades, new needs emerged—from refrigeration and sanitation to changing consumer habits and rural economic shifts.

Each generation of the Owens family has responded to these needs by evolving the business. During the Great Depression and coal strikes, the family supported struggling customers. In the 1980s, recognizing a shift in shopping habits, Owens Meats transitioned from freezer sales to retail, making meat more accessible (not to mention, the world’s first meat vending machine). The Owens family didn’t just witness these needs—they experienced them personally. Their business decisions reflect a deep understanding of and commitment to local families, agriculture, and economic resilience, shaped by more than 130 years of listening and responding.

“Owens Meats has expanded from a local butcher to a nationally recognized brand, with increased sales, a strong retail presence, and a growing network of vending machines. Generations of families continue to shop there, showing deep trust and tradition,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “Their legacy showcases that long-term success comes from adapting to change without losing sight of your roots.” Durham presented the Legacy on Main Award to Don Owens, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Jeannie Bayles

Award: Entrepreneur of the Year

Year: 2025

City: Ellensburg

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is an annual award that recognizes the innovation, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of our state’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. Ellensburg’s Jeannie Bayles was named 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year for her hard work not only as a small business owner but in supporting her community.

After years of working in restaurants, including helping her mom open traditional Korean restaurants in Colorado, Jeannie Bayles recognized an opportunity to complement Ellensburg’s growing food scene with something uniquely her own—an experience that felt both creative and comforting, rooted in personal history and community connection.

That vision led to the opening of The Early Bird, a welcoming all-day brunch eatery that quickly became a local favorite. After opening on Water Street in 2018, The Early Bird quickly outgrew its space and moved to Main Street. The new building fueled Jeannie’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit, and looking to maximize her space with a complementary concept, Jeannie opened The Night Owl in an auxiliary space within the building in 2023. The second bird is moody, elevated, and designed for the evening crowd, featuring a handcrafted cocktail menu by Jeannie’s trusted general manager Mike Wooldridge.

Jeannie’s two distinct businesses bookend the day in downtown Ellensburg—comforting brunches at The Early Bird and creative cocktails at The Night Owl. But what makes them special isn’t just the food or drink. It’s the way she invites her team into every part of the process. From cross-training to recipe contributions, her staff feel seen, valued, and heard. Her leadership has fostered a culture of mutual respect and shared investment in the downtown experience, which contributes to strong retention and a sense of ownership. Jeannie is building businesses that reflects the character of Ellensburg itself—collaborative, warm, creative, and proud of its people.

“By trusting her team, sharing ownership of ideas, and leading with humility, Jeannie has created a workplace culture that is rare and remarkable. Her restaurants have become launchpads for young professionals, creative thinkers, and emerging leaders,” said Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “Jeannie also proves that downtown revitalization isn’t just structural—it’s emotional. It’s about creating places people feel connected to, return to, and talk about.” Durham personally presented the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Jeannie Bayles, who was in attendance.

Excellence on Main Award

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Mobile Greeter Program

Awardee: Port Townsend Main Street Program

Award: Outstanding Special Project

Year: 2025

City: Port Townsend

The Outstanding Special Project Award is an annual award that recognizes great projects or activities that affect a downtown or neighborhood commercial district’s revitalization efforts. The Port Townsend Main Street Program has been named the 2025 Outstanding Special Project Award recipient for their Mobile Greeters Program initiative.

When Port Townsend’s Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce closed abruptly, there was a major gap in the community’s tourism-focused economy. Always creative and solution-oriented, the Port Townsend Main Street Program pitched the Mobile Greeter Program to their local Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. In a time when people were seeking out information differently, the program was an idea that met the need for tourism information in a totally different way than the traditional model.

As part of the program, mobile greeters park their electric bike and begin engaging with folks wandering by, offering information about local businesses, tips about getting around, and even stories of Port Townsend’s unique history. The bike travels around to different locations each day, drawing people to different areas of the commercial district, and considers events where there might be more foot traffic so the greeters can meet the most people.

While working, mobile greeters are also collecting valuable data. Zip codes, overnight stays, activities, and more help inform business owners as well as marketing campaigns and tourism strategies. The success of the Mobile Greeter Program over its first two summers has been recognized by the local Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and by business owners, who drop off information for the bike volunteers to share out.

“Originally implemented to fill an urgent need, the Mobile Greeter Program is proving that, for Port Townsend, an emphasis on flexibility, human connection, and hospitality is an improvement upon the traditional visitor center model,” noted Washington Main Street Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. Durham personally presented the Outstanding Special Project Award to Natalie Maitland, Eryn Smith, and Kris Nelson of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.

Excellence on Main Award

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Movable Furniture Project

Awardee: Downtown Pullman Association

Award: Places for People

Year: 2025

City: Pullman

The Places for People Award is an award that recognizes projects that create inclusive spaces and invite community engagement year-round. The Downtown Pullman Association has been named the 2025 Places for People Award recipient for its Movable Furniture Project, adding much-needed community function to downtown Pullman.

Research such as that by William H. White in The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces inspired Bobbie Ryder and Gigi Skrzycka of the Downtown Pullman Association to consider the power of the chair to activate downtown Pullman. Community feedback consistently said that downtown Pullman lacked accessible, inclusive, and pet-friendly spaces where people could sit, relax, eat, read, and connect. In fact, the community was very clearly asking for more “third places”—free, welcoming spaces beyond home or work that can support social interaction and belonging.

Recognizing the potential of underused public plazas, Gigi and Bobbie proposed adding movable tables, chairs, and umbrellas to transform these areas into vibrant, flexible social hubs. With a successful application to T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant in 2023, the Downtown Pullman Association’s Movable Furniture Project was underway.

Over the last two years, as furniture was gradually distributed throughout downtown, volunteers helped unbox, assemble, and maintain it. Initial placements like High Street Plaza quickly became part of daily life downtown, appreciated by residents, students, and visitors. The project also supported the local economy during a major construction project in 2024, maintaining activity and a sense of vibrancy downtown, which supported small businesses and strengthened community resilience in a challenging time.

“The Movable Furniture Project has reaffirmed downtown Pullman as a place for connection, culture, and community life, making it an excellent example of community-driven placemaking,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “The Downtown Pullman Association has proved that meaningful change doesn’t always require large infrastructure—it starts with a table, a chair, and a commitment to people.” Durham personally presented the Places for People Award to Gigi Skrzycka and Bobbie Ryder of the Downtown Pullman Association, who were in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Hotel Hardware

Award: Bricks & Mortar Rehabilitation

Year: 2025

City: Dayton

The Brick & Mortar Rehabilitation Award is an award that recognizes building owners or projects that positively impact preservation efforts. The Hotel Hardware has been named the 2025 Brick & Mortar Rehabilitation Award recipient for its outstanding preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Weinhard Hotel building.

The two-story brick Italianate building, originally built in 1890 as the home of brewer Jacob Weinhard, was known for more than a century as “the Weinhard.” Over the decades, the building served many functions for Columbia County—hardware store, bar, grocer, and hotel. In 1961, a devastating fire in Dayton destroyed half of the Weinhard building, where the parking lot is today. (A first of-its-kind firewall saved the other half.) The historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had been seeking new ownership for years when fate brought Padraic Slattery to Dayton. It “spoke” to Padraic the moment he stepped foot inside, and the passionate preservationist was hooked.

After purchasing the Weinhard, Padraic embarked on a comprehensive restoration of the entire building that included updated HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, water heating, parapet wall bracing, corrected fire safety issues, and refinished floors, among other projects. The project was self-contracted and completed in just nine months. Today, the two-story building—now dubbed the Hotel Hardware—hosts 15 chic hotel rooms, a cocktail and coffee bar, retail store, and comfortable reception area. Padraic’s renovation pays homage to the building’s history and sets a tone for the future.

“Padraic, who worked closely with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to utilize Historic and Special Valuation Tax Credits, notes that this project is proof that investment in restoring historic buildings in rural towns can be viable and incredibly rewarding,” stated Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “We tend to agree!” Durham presented the Brick & Mortar Rehabilitation Award to Dayton Development Task Force executive director Belinda Larsen, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Creator’s Law

Awardee: Roslyn Downtown Association

Award: Community Partnership

Year: 2025

City: Roslyn

The Community Partnership Award is an award that recognizes a Main Street organization and partner(s) who have demonstrated the highest and best degree of cooperation to benefit downtown revitalization efforts. The Roslyn Downtown Association has been named the 2025 Community Partnership Award recipient for its Creator’s Law art piece, created in partnership with the Yakama Nation.

The city of Roslyn is situated within the Yakama Nation’s historic Treaty Territory, which encompasses the greater Columbia River Basin and Cascade Mountains region in eastern Washington. The history of Tribal stewardship of these lands spans thousands of years and continues to this day. In November 2020, the Roslyn Downtown Association entered into a partnership agreement with the Yakama Nation to develop educational materials, public displays, and experiential learning opportunities throughout the local area. The partnership emphasizes the Yakama Nation’s history, culture, and continuing land and resource stewardship efforts in Roslyn—an important early step toward expanding Main Street’s role in sharing the full and accurate history and culture of the region.

One such project, a direct result of the partnership agreement between the Roslyn Downtown Association and the Yakama Nation, is the public art piece known as Creator’s Law. The sculpture installation, located in a downtown park, features artwork by Lin McJunkin and Milo White and was funded by the Roslyn Downtown Association. The sculpture symbolizes the Creator’s Law, illustrating how earth, water, air, and both natural and cultural resources influence our minds, bodies, and spirits. The design and message were shaped in collaboration with Yakama Nation Tribal Council Chairman Gerald Lewis, Tribal Councilmembers Terry Heemsah and Caseymac Wallaheee, and the Cultural Resource Committee including cultural consultant and archaeologist Noah Oliver.

Oliver, who co-led the sculpture initiative with the Roslyn Downtown Association, emphasizes the meaning of the Sacred Acknowledgement of the Creator’s Law. Land (Mother Earth), Water (Giver of Life), Air (Our Sacred Breath), and all cultural resources are divine gifts from the Creator. These resources sustain life and nourish our spirits, requiring us to honor and protect them. This stewardship has been part of Yakama tradition for thousands of years. Today, many of these resources face threats, making it vital to uphold our shared responsibilities to safeguard them for future generations.

“The partnership between the Roslyn Downtown Association and the Yakama Nation, as exhibited through the Creator’s Law sculpture and other initiatives, demonstrates how community organizations and Indigenous nations can collaborate to produce shared cultural expressions that inspire and educate,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “It shows that communities can build bridges that honor cultural heritage and foster unity through respectful partnership, meaningful dialogue, and mutual learning.” Durham personally presented the Community Partnership Award to Cheri Marusa and Jeri Porter of the Roslyn Downtown Association, who were in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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TwispWorks

Award: Economic Opportunity

Year: 2025

City: Twisp

The Economic Opportunity Award is an award that recognizes enhancement efforts that have improved the economic vitality of the district including job creation and retention, sales growth, and more. TwispWorks has been named the 2025 Economic Opportunity Award recipient for its work creating affordable spaces, investment opportunities, and resources ranging from childcare to education for local artists, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Built in 1932 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Twisp Ranger Station served the Methow Valley for decades. When the U.S. Forest Service decommissioned the station and put the property up for auction, the community banded together to continue the site’s legacy as a critical community and economic driver. That vision came to fruition and continues to evolve through TwispWorks. Located on the same 6.4-acre campus in downtown Twisp, TwispWorks spent its first few years focused on rehabilitating the old ranger station buildings, creating spaces for entrepreneurs, artists, and the community to come together. Today, TwispWorks supports more than 35 small businesses, artists, nonprofits, and educators by providing affordable commercial space, technical support, and access to values-driven capital.

Through ongoing dialogue and community participation, TwispWorks continues to evolve as a place-based solution. In 2017, TwispWorks launched the Methow Investment Network, which to date has facilitated more than $2.5 million in local business investments, and created space for Little Star, which offers affordable early childhood education on site. In 2023, in partnership with the Methow Valley School District, TwispWorks opened the Auto Tech Facility, which supports career and technical education opportunities for local youth. TwispWorks has seen new businesses launch, artists open studios, and students gain hands-on skills in trades. By preserving historic buildings for local use and fostering community-led development, they’ve built a platform where residents can pursue their passions and build lasting local wealth.

“A key lesson is that meaningful revitalization isn’t about one-time projects—it’s about sustained, community-rooted effort,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “TwispWorks teaches that access to space, visibility, and relationship-based funding are critical for rural business success and that economic development can (and should) celebrate culture, creativity, and equity.” Durham personally presented the Economic Opportunity Award to TwispWorks Communications Director Grant Eadie, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.

Excellence on Main Award

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Make Music Day

Awardee: Downtown Aberdeen Association

Award: Purposeful Promotion

Year: 2025

City: Aberdeen

The Purposeful Promotion Award is an award that recognizes creative, effective promotional campaigns that celebrate and attract visitors and residents to the downtown or neighborhood commercial district. The Downtown Aberdeen Association has been named the 2025 Purposeful Promotion Award recipient for its Make Music Day event, which began only two years ago.

The Fête de la Musique is a world music day that takes place annually on summer solstice in countries all over the world. Given its musical roots as the home of Nirvana, Aberdeen decided to participate in 2023. From pulling together 40 local musicians in 2023, to more than 150 (including some notable headliners) in 2024, to a two-day festival with 28 performance stages and more than 1,500 volunteer hours in 2025, Make Music Day Aberdeen has exploded and gained national media attention. The 2025 event included kids’ activities, instrument-making workshops, gallery tours, 28 businesses working in collaboration, partnerships with First Nations and Tribal representatives, the grand reopening of the historic theater, flying in a Native rock band to promote their record label, and Aberdeen’s busiest weekend, both in terms of tourism and commerce, of the year. It’s even being called “the festival that’s changing everything” by local media.

“This year’s event went by a second name: The Come as You Are Festival. [Downtown Aberdeen Association executive director Wil Russoul] describes Nirvana legend and Aberdeen son Kurt Cobain’s take on the phrase ‘come as you are’ as a dynamic mix of acceptance, we are here now, and this moment will be a memory that you get to have for the story of your life,” noted Washington State Main Street Program Director Breanne Durham at the Excellence on Main ceremony. “The same could be said of this purposeful promotion and the innumerable sparks it is creating in and for Aberdeen.” Durham personally presented the Purposeful Promotion Award to Downtown Aberdeen Association executive director Wil Russoul, who was in attendance at the awards ceremony.