To Main Street Mississippi and Vicksburg Main Street, Laura Beth Strickland is a hero.

Strickland, the deputy director of the Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, was one of seven Mississippi residents who were named “Main Street Heroes” at the state organization’s annual awards luncheon in Jackson.

The award recognizes an outstanding community leader or public figure who has displayed an involved commitment to downtown and their Main Street program.

“I was really surprised to receive it,” Strickland said. “It means a lot to me to be named for the award because of the work Main Street and Downtown Vicksburg have done for the city and I enjoy volunteering and doing everything I can to help them and to promote their programs. I was the only one from Vicksburg to receive the award.”

Vicksburg Main Street director Kim Hopkins said Strickland was selected because of her volunteer work.

“When it comes to involvement and commitment to success in downtown Vicksburg, Laura Beth Strickland has made her mark,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins said Strickland is a member of several Main Street committees, and chairman of its promotions committee.

“She’s always available to help out with anything, from lending a hand in planning, to being somewhere at the crack of dawn to do whatever needs to be done for an event. She has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to downtown Vicksburg and the Main Street Program.”