Main Street Lansing hosts record-breaking Annual Meeting, celebrates community impact, honors local leadership efforts
Main Street Lansing Volunteer of the Year ... Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn was named the Volunteer of the Year at the Main Street Lansing Annual Meeting held Monday, March 30 at TJ Hunters Event Space in Lansing. Pictured above at that award presentation are, left to right, Volunteer of the Year Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn, Main Street Lansing Board of Directors President Chris Troendle, and Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper. Photo courtesy of Main Street Lansing.
Main Street Lansing Hall of Fame ... Main Street Lansing presented its first-ever Hall of Fame Award to Bruce and Mary Palmborg at the Main Street Lansing Annual Meeting held Monday, March 30 at TJ Hunters Event Space in Lansing. Their dedication spans over 18 years of volunteer service, including foundational work in achieving Main Street Iowa accreditation and countless contributions to downtown revitalization, events, and beautification efforts. Pictured above at that award presentation are, left to right, Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper, Main Street Lansing Hall of Fame Award winners Mary and Bruce Palmborg, and Main Street Lansing Board of Directors President Chris Troendle. Photo courtesy of Main Street Lansing.
Main Street Lansing Business of the Year ... TJ Hunters was named the Business of the Year at the Main Street Lansing Annual Meeting held Monday, March 30 at TJ Hunters Event Space in Lansing. Pictured above at that award presentation are, left to right, Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper, Main Street Lansing Board of Directors President Chris Troendle, and Business of the Year owner Jason Drape of TJ Hunters. Photo courtesy of Main Street Lansing.
Main Street Lansing (MSL) hosted its Annual Meeting Monday, March 30, welcoming over 100 community members, business owners, and supporters for what may have been the organization’s most well-attended meeting to date.
The evening was held at TJ Hunters Event Space, where guests enjoyed catering while experiencing one of Lansing’s event venues. Attendees were also treated to table centerpieces by Red Geranium, highlighting local businesses and adding a special touch to the evening.
During the Year in Review, Main Street Lansing highlighted a strong and impactful 2025, including over 44 initiatives, 16 major events, and more than 2,300 volunteer hours - representing over $70,000 in community value. The organization also shared exciting plans and priorities for the future, continuing its mission to foster a vibrant and sustainable downtown.
A key highlight of the evening was recognizing the continued growth of the district by uplifting and welcoming new businesses to Main Street Lansing.
Special recognitions during the meeting included the awarding of several honors. The 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn, and the 2025 Business of the Year Award was bestowed upon TJ Hunters, Jason Drape.
The evening concluded with a historic and heartfelt moment as Main Street Lansing presented its first-ever Hall of Fame Award to Bruce and Mary Palmborg. Their dedication spans over 18 years of volunteer service, including foundational work in achieving Main Street Iowa accreditation and countless contributions to downtown revitalization, events, and beautification efforts.
This recognition was especially meaningful as the meeting marked Bruce Palmborg’s final act as a sitting board member, closing a chapter of leadership and service that has helped shape Lansing into the thriving community it is today.
Main Street Lansing also highlighted its strong leadership team guiding the organization forward. The current leadership includes Chris Troendle as Board President, Kelli Mudderman as Board Treasurer, Andrew Boddicker as Board Secretary, board members Curt Snitker, Sarah Murray, Latisha Larson and Maryann Baldwin, ex-officio board members Steve Murray, Hannah Steiber and Elisha Marti, and Executive Director Jackie Cooper.
The board also recognized past and supporting leadership, including Bruce Palmborg and additional former board members who have played key roles in the organization’s growth and success.
“This incredible turnout and the energy in the room truly reflect what Main Street Lansing is all about - people coming together for the greater good,” said Jackie Cooper, Executive Director. “We are so grateful to everyone who attended and continue to support our mission.”
With strong community support and engaged leadership, Main Street Lansing remains committed to making Lansing a place to live, work, stay, and explore - not just today, but for years to come.
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