Brenham, TX

Winners for the 2022 President’s Awards Program were announced, Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the annual Texas Downtown Conference in San Marcos, Texas. For over 30 years the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown, has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of downtowns across the state.

Texas Downtown was established in 1985 and its mission is to provide members with resources, advocacy, education, and connections to develop vibrant districts.  The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals.

Brenham brought home two awards: The Susan H. Campbell Award for Professional Excellence and the President’s Award for Best Renovation/Rehabilitation/Restoration.

The Susan H. Campbell Award for Professional Excellence was presented to Jennifer Eckermann, Director of Tourism and Marketing for the City of Brenham. This award was established to honor the legacy of Susan Campbell, a past president and board member of Texas Downtown. It is bestowed on downtown professionals who significantly impacted their city and participate in the larger Texas downtown community.

Left to Right: City of Brenham Mayor - Milton Tate, Monique Breaux (City of Brenham Main Street Coordinator), Jennifer Eckermann (City of Brenham Tourism and Marketing Director), Katelyn Brown (Texas Downtown President)

Eckermann has dedicated 23 years of her career to the downtown profession. From June 1999 to June 2022, Jennifer has assiduously worked to support Downtown Brenham’s preservation and promote Brenham and Washington County and its rich history. Her vision and creativity foster unique ideas and programs, and her strong organizational skills are vital to recruiting, retaining, and engaging volunteers and supporters. Jennifer has initiated events like Local History Day and Step Into the Past to educate residents and visitors about Brenham’s past, while her support of downtown small businesses is unparalleled. Her contributions will forever leave her mark on Downtown Brenham.