Recipients of New Mexico MainStreet Excellence Awards from across the state gather for a photo at the 40th Anniversary Celebration held Oct. 15 in Alamogordo. Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District was honored with three awards for excellence. Courtesy/LAMSCD
LAMSCD News:
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District (LAMSCD) received three New Mexico MainStreet Excellence Awards at the New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) 40th Anniversary Celebration held Oct. 15 in Alamogordo.
The milestone event honored the program’s past, celebrated four decades of community economic development in New Mexico, and recognized people and projects that exemplify excellence across the state’s 32 MainStreet districts.
This year, NMMS recognized 18 individuals and 10 projects for their impact and innovation—and three of those honors went to Los Alamos.
The local recognitions included:
- Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District Business Accelerator Program;
- Business Owner Jill Lang of Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse; and
- Former MainStreet staff member Alison Watkins.
Each was celebrated for their leadership, creativity, and dedication to strengthening the local economy and cultural vitality of Los Alamos.
The Excellence Awards were based on nominations from the statewide MainStreet network received earlier in the year. MainStreet programs were invited to nominate “superstars” and projects that made a positive difference in their communities.
Award Highlights
- Business Accelerator Program — Excellence Project Award
- The Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District’s Business Accelerator Program has been an outstanding success story for the community. Initially launched as a MainStreet initiative, it quickly evolved into a joint effort with the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce. Across its three cohorts, the program has supported the creation of eight new businesses and two business expansions, while helping activate vacant commercial spaces and enrich the downtown ecosystem. Many graduates have become key contributors to the community through cross-sector partnerships, innovative services, and creative collaborations.
- Jill Lang, Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse — Excellence Individual Award
- Jill Lang, owner of Samizdat Bookstore & Teahouse and a 2021 graduate of the Los Alamos Business Accelerator, was honored for her outstanding leadership and community engagement. Since opening her business, Jill has been deeply involved in the community—hosting author talks, fundraisers, and events such as the Los Alamos Public Library’s Atomicon Festival, Los Alamos Arts Council’s Pajarito Literary Festival, and Cosmic Frontiers events with the New Mexico Consortium. She also serves on the MainStreet Futures Committee, advocating for local and women-owned businesses, and is an active participant in Women in Business, MainStreet’s monthly networking group for women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Her presence in the district has helped strengthen the success and vibrancy of neighboring businesses.
- Alison Watkins — Excellence Individual Award
- Alison Watkins, former Event Manager for Los Alamos MainStreet, was recognized for her creativity and dedication in revitalizing the Women in Business program. Through her leadership, the initiative was reimagined into a dynamic series of events featuring guest speakers who collaborate, educate, and inspire the local business community. Her work not only elevated the program’s visibility and value but also strengthened partnerships and engagement among entrepreneurs. The program’s local sponsor expressed immense appreciation for her innovation and commitment.
“These awards reflect the dedication and creativity of our local entrepreneurs, partners, and staff who work every day to make Los Alamos a vibrant, welcoming, and supportive community—key ingredients in economic revitalization,” LAMSCD Executive Director Jacquelyn Connolly said. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many exceptional MainStreet communities across New Mexico.”
View additional details on the New Mexico MainStreet Excellence Awards and full list of honorees here.
About Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District:
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District is a program of the Los Alamos Commerce & Development Corporation (LACDC), a private, not-for-profit economic and community development organization. LACDC serves as the umbrella organization for Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District, Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, Discover Los Alamos, Los Alamos Small Business Center, projectY cowork Los Alamos, and the Los Alamos Research Park.