GAMSA Passes on Havre de Grace

has a great Main Street program.

But the volunteer-driven business organization will not be named one of the five greatest in the nation later this spring.

In an email to members Friday, organization president said Havre de Grace Main Street— for the Great American Main Street Award—was passed over in the national competition.

"We were and continue to be thrilled at that alone. Recently the GAMSA award jury deliberated and unfortunately we were not selected in the top five award spots," Smith wrote.

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Smith, representing the organization's Board of Directors in her message, admitted disappointment, but called it "an absolute honor and achievement to have accomplished a finalist position."

Smith, credited for leading the application effort, said the organization would apply for the award again this year.

The final step of the application process included a video production, which Smith said the organization will utilize in various forms in the future.

"There are so many exciting events and projects that are forthcoming and we are so excited to begin 2012 in this positive position. We thank all our members for their contributions and continued positive support of our mission," Smith said.

The national winners will be recognized at a conference April 2 in Baltimore.

Havre de Grace Main Street was attempting to become the third Maryland organization to be named a national winner since the award began in 1995.

Past GAMSA winners include Frederick (2005) and Federal Hill (2009).

TELL US: Are you surprised Havre de Grace Main Street wasn't awarded a GAMSA? Leave a comment below.