Doug Young Downtown Leadership Award 2025

Main Street Murfreesboro presents the Doug Young Downtown Leadership Award to Dr. Gloria Bonner.

Dr. Bonner served on the Main Street Board of Directors from 2000 to 2023, and as board chair in 2015. She was instrumental in helping with JazzFest and Taste of Rutherford. Dr. Bonner still serves as Main Street’s biggest cheerleader and our Historian.

"When I was hired as the Executive Director in 2019, Dr. Bonner was my biggest cheerleader.  She introduced me to people in the community, attended every meeting with a smile and energetic laugh, and was always willing to attend events and help - even to pull trash cans into the street to block spaces for attendees at the Friday Night Live Concert series," said Sarah Callender.

Why have you been so passionate about volunteering to help downtown through Main Street?

"As someone born and raised in the Murfreesboro community, I have fond memories of downtown Murfreesboro. In “The Wizard of Oz,” the Tin Man realized that to be fully engaged in life, he needed a heart. Main Street, Inc. – the best of the best in TN – is like the Tin Man. To be fully engaged, and therefore fully functional, we also need to represent the heart and soul of the local community. The work by the administrative staff and Board of Directors illustrates some of the many ways that the organization does indeed have a very big heart for the community. Furthermore, we have set our hearts, our minds, and our commitments on working with the various publics to support the necessary work that makes Murfreesboro and Rutherford County unique and a special place to live.

It has always been obvious that everyone involved shares the same vision… we are intentional and passionate about being a model community and are committed to continuously improving the quality of community engagement opportunities for all citizens. Therefore, my long-term commitment has been primarily due to the quality of people who embrace the organization's mission and vision and live them out daily."

"I was attracted to serving on the Board by the “movers and shakers” represented as board members. There was diverse representation. They were energetic, committed to service-oriented initiatives, and exceptional in leadership roles. I, too, wanted to learn, serve, and make an impact throughout the community in the same ways."

"I treasure all of my Main Street experiences in every way, and I am beyond grateful for the many opportunities to serve in so many capacities. I have always been encouraged by the outstanding work of the administration and the board members, who have devoted their precious time, talents, and treasures to a growing and vibrant community. Along Main Street, I have had the opportunity to witness and appreciate the intellectual capital, dedication, and endless, seemingly tireless efforts to achieve something magical and electric through working together as a community. The momentum is as powerful now as it was years ago. Also, Sarah Callender has given us unique leadership “swag” that we greatly celebrate and value.

 I have seen all of this, and it has led me to conclude that Main Street is guilty of passion – guilty of the passion for life of a great community; for embracing differences; for being the best we are capable of becoming now and in the future."

Main Street Murfreesboro will honor Dr. Bonner with the award at the Annual Celebration event on Tuesday, February 24 at 4:30 PM at The Walnut House.

To RSVP for the Annual Celebration Register Here.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor First National Bank of Middle Tennessee.