Laurie Everett of Annie Laurie's Wins Award of Excellence
Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks Receive Prestigious Awards of Excellence at the State Level for Impact on Downtown Revitalization
Staff Writer
Recently, two Missouri Main Street Awards were received by Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks, at the Missouri Main Street conference in Kansas City. They were nominated by Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. Outstanding Public Official, received by Assistant to City Manager, Heather Brooks, and the Business Excellence Award, received by Laurie Everett, of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, are the highest home state level awards in this category given by Missouri Main Street.
Marla nominated these women to recognize their accomplishments in going above and beyond in areas of downtown revitalization. She explained that it is important to recognize what is outstanding so the public becomes aware of all the behind the scenes work and planning that goes into shaping the downtown area. "There's so much work at so many different levels you can't see," she said. "I'm always impressed by people that work so hard because they really want to see a better community."
Laurie, owner and operator of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, was unaware of her nomination for the award. Surprised and excited about receiving the award, she said, "I'm absolutely excited about the future of downtown and will do whatever it takes to improve the area. I'm willing to spend time, effort and the funds to make it happen."
Laurie's outstanding work in promoting Annie Laurie's Antiques in exceptional ways includes partnerships with students, artists, musicians, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Old Town Cape for special events and volunteering. Whether it's participating in First Friday Gallery Openings, Old Town Cape's Historic Home and Garden Tour or other events promoting the revitalization of downtown, Annie Laurie's Antiques opens its doors to the community to provide opportunities for fun and appreciation of the valuable downtown culture that connects people to their community.
As a member of the Community Improvement District steering committee, Laurie has worked to enhance the commercial area of downtown Cape Girardeau. She also volunteers for St. Mary's, Lutheran Family Children Services, area veteran's golf tournament and donates to the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
One of her favorite projects was a Dorm Room Makeover she did at SEMO's Welcome Back picnic last year. Any dorm student was eligible to receive a $500 makeover package which included small furniture, bedding and school supplies--everything a new college student needs. She said, "It was great to be able to do something for someone and make a difference."
Her antique business at 536 Broadway is also her home. She and her husband completely renovated the building the business is housed in, which includes an attached apartment the family lives in. "She embraces the challenges of living downtown and uses it as an opportunity," said Marla.
"Heather is our city liaison who goes above and beyond," said Marla. She is on the Old Town Cape board of directors. "All our board members are volunteers," said Marla. Besides serving in that role, Heather has worked with the DREAM Development Team and Downtown Strategic Plan and assists with the Cape Girardeau Downtown Community Improvement District Steering Committee, United Way of Southeast Missouri, River Corridor Connections, Bicycle Committee, Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board, Zonta Club, and more.
"Heather is so excited about what is happening downtown and taking it to the next level," said Marla. As an outstanding public official, she has continually demonstrated effort and support of local downtown revitalization efforts and has at least 5 years of public service.
Hats off to these two women who work hard at upholding the important revitalization of Old Town Cape.
Staff Writer
Recently, two Missouri Main Street Awards were received by Laurie Everett and Heather Brooks, at the Missouri Main Street conference in Kansas City. They were nominated by Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape. Outstanding Public Official, received by Assistant to City Manager, Heather Brooks, and the Business Excellence Award, received by Laurie Everett, of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, are the highest home state level awards in this category given by Missouri Main Street.
Marla nominated these women to recognize their accomplishments in going above and beyond in areas of downtown revitalization. She explained that it is important to recognize what is outstanding so the public becomes aware of all the behind the scenes work and planning that goes into shaping the downtown area. "There's so much work at so many different levels you can't see," she said. "I'm always impressed by people that work so hard because they really want to see a better community."
Laurie, owner and operator of Annie Laurie's Antiques on Broadway, was unaware of her nomination for the award. Surprised and excited about receiving the award, she said, "I'm absolutely excited about the future of downtown and will do whatever it takes to improve the area. I'm willing to spend time, effort and the funds to make it happen."
Laurie's outstanding work in promoting Annie Laurie's Antiques in exceptional ways includes partnerships with students, artists, musicians, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and Old Town Cape for special events and volunteering. Whether it's participating in First Friday Gallery Openings, Old Town Cape's Historic Home and Garden Tour or other events promoting the revitalization of downtown, Annie Laurie's Antiques opens its doors to the community to provide opportunities for fun and appreciation of the valuable downtown culture that connects people to their community.
As a member of the Community Improvement District steering committee, Laurie has worked to enhance the commercial area of downtown Cape Girardeau. She also volunteers for St. Mary's, Lutheran Family Children Services, area veteran's golf tournament and donates to the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
One of her favorite projects was a Dorm Room Makeover she did at SEMO's Welcome Back picnic last year. Any dorm student was eligible to receive a $500 makeover package which included small furniture, bedding and school supplies--everything a new college student needs. She said, "It was great to be able to do something for someone and make a difference."
Her antique business at 536 Broadway is also her home. She and her husband completely renovated the building the business is housed in, which includes an attached apartment the family lives in. "She embraces the challenges of living downtown and uses it as an opportunity," said Marla.
"Heather is our city liaison who goes above and beyond," said Marla. She is on the Old Town Cape board of directors. "All our board members are volunteers," said Marla. Besides serving in that role, Heather has worked with the DREAM Development Team and Downtown Strategic Plan and assists with the Cape Girardeau Downtown Community Improvement District Steering Committee, United Way of Southeast Missouri, River Corridor Connections, Bicycle Committee, Girardeau Goes Green Advisory Board, Zonta Club, and more.
"Heather is so excited about what is happening downtown and taking it to the next level," said Marla. As an outstanding public official, she has continually demonstrated effort and support of local downtown revitalization efforts and has at least 5 years of public service.
Hats off to these two women who work hard at upholding the important revitalization of Old Town Cape.
Posted by The Local Management at 9/10/2011 1:10 PM 
Categories: Shopping, Local Business, small business, Customer Service, Cape Girardeau
Tags: Annie Lauries Antiques Cape Girardeau Downtown Cape Historic Attactions Cape Girardeau Locally owned retail small business
Categories: Shopping, Local Business, small business, Customer Service, Cape Girardeau
Tags: Annie Lauries Antiques Cape Girardeau Downtown Cape Historic Attactions Cape Girardeau Locally owned retail small business
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