Sterling Main Street Celebrates Two State Awards for Community Excellence

Sterling Main Street has been awarded two prestigious accolades at the 2025 Illinois Main Street Conference held from November 12 to 14 in Dixon. The organization received recognition for its exceptional contributions in the Design and Organization categories, primarily for its impactful initiatives: Team Up 2 Clean Up and the revitalization of the Sauk Valley Under 40 young professionals network.

The Team Up 2 Clean Up program, which earned recognition in the Design category, has significantly enhanced the visual appeal and community pride of downtown Sterling. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has mobilized youth volunteers from across the Sauk Valley region for monthly workdays focused on litter removal and beautification efforts. Strong participation has stemmed from students involved in Sauk Valley Community College’s Impact Program, along with various school-based service groups and youth organizations. These efforts have fostered connections among students from multiple communities while promoting a cleaner downtown environment.

From April 2024 to August 2025, over 150 students dedicated approximately 350 volunteer hours to ensure downtown Sterling remains welcoming and appealing. This initiative has not only improved the city’s landscape but has also instilled a sense of responsibility and pride among the youth participants.

In addition to the Design award, Sterling Main Street was recognized in the Organization category for its leadership in rejuvenating the regional young professional group, now known as Sauk Valley Under 40. Originally established in 2018 as a collaboration between Sterling Main Street and the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, the group had lost momentum in recent years. However, with the formation of a new steering committee in 2025, a comprehensive rebranding effort was initiated, enhancing the group’s mission to connect, inspire, and support emerging leaders throughout the Sauk Valley.

The rebranding has led to increased event attendance and engagement in 2025, strengthening ties between young professionals and local businesses. New initiatives, such as networking events and the Workplace Wellbeing Lunch & Learn, further promote professional development and community engagement.

“We’re so excited to see our community’s hard work recognized at the state level,” said Janna Groharing, Executive Director of Sterling Main Street. “Team Up 2 Clean Up and Sauk Valley Under 40 are growing because people – especially our younger generations – are getting involved and having fun with it. This recognition adds even more momentum, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”

These awards underscore Sterling Main Street’s ongoing commitment to the Main Street approach, which aims to strengthen the community through strategic design, organization, promotion, and economic vitality initiatives. As a nonprofit organization, Sterling Main Street is dedicated to promoting, preserving, and revitalizing downtown Sterling through community engagement and collaborative partnerships. More information can be found on their website at sterlingmainstreet.org.