Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District Honored with 3 Awards
Published on October 22, 2025
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District (LAMSCD) is proud to announce the receipt of three New Mexico MainStreet Excellence Awards during the New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) 40th Anniversary Celebration, held on October 15, 2025, in Alamogordo, NM.
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 the 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,” said Jacquelyn Connolly, Executive Director of Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District. “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many exceptional MainStreet communities across New Mexico.”
For more details on the New Mexico MainStreet Excellence Awards and the full list of honorees, visit: https://www.nmmainstreet.org/engage-people/nmms-celebrates-40th-anniversary-with-excellence-awards.