The National Trust for Historic Preservation presented its 2011 Main Street Leadership award to Under Secretary of Agriculture Dallas Tonsager on Wednesday – recognizing USDA’s support for revitalizing rural commercial areas. The award is presented every year in honor of individuals or organizations that have provided strong leadership locally or nationally to make lasting contributions to commercial district revitalization, inspire actions and make long-term contributions to a community’s revitalization.

USDA’s recognition was for its support through the Rural Community Development Initiative and the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program. Both seek to create jobs, strengthen business and offer training and financial assistance to local entrepreneurs in rural communities. Tonsager says USDA’s work with the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps ensure the nation’s small town main streets are restored as vibrant, economic engines of their communities. He says Main Street America drives the rural economy – and a healthy main street is a sign of a strong, growing local economy.