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Dallas Market Center & ART Announce Heart of Main Street as Award Recipient

October 2, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

This year, the ARTS Awards Committee selected Heart on Main Street as the honoree to receive the award for helping small businesses with tools, resources, and education to succeed. The HEARTS Award is a special honor that began as an entire event during the pandemic. In June of 2021, the annual ARTS Awards were replaced by a one-time special event called the HEARTS Awards held in partnership and solidarity with twelve leading industry organizations to honor companies and individuals that have shown outstanding leadership, empathy, and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the return of the ARTS Awards to an in-person event, organizations were invited to nominate a worthy organization for a HEARTS Award as a special award presented at the ARTS Awards. 

“The HEARTS Award is about celebrating organizations that go beyond business to make a real difference. Heart on Main Street is doing exactly that,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Providing critical resources and real-world relief when communities need it most. Their work exemplifies resilience, compassion, and leadership in action."

Sharon Davis, executive director of ART added, “Independent retailers are the backbone of our industry, and Heart on Main Street has become a trusted partner to the entire community. From disaster recovery to everyday education, their programs don’t just help stores reopen—they help them reimagine what’s possible. That kind of vision inspires all of us to invest in and protect the spirit of Main Street.”

Heart on Main Street, founded in 2023, is dedicated to strengthening independent retailers who serve as the backbone of Main Street communities. The organization provides essential tools, resources, and education to help small businesses refine their operations, evolve with changing times, and better serve their neighborhoods.

Its impact has been especially powerful in times of crisis; through disaster relief efforts, Heart on Main Street has offered financial assistance, free inventory, and hands-on volunteer support to retailers devastated by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, helping dozens of businesses relaunch and remain vital anchors in their communities. Beyond recovery, its monthly educational webinars have reached thousands of retailers, providing practical skills and strategies for long-term success. By combining immediate aid with ongoing guidance, Heart on Main Street not only uplifts retailers but also reinforces the heart of local economies, making it a truly deserving recipient of the ARTS Hearts Award.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the 2026 HEARTS Award recipient. At Heart on Main Street, our mission has always been to lift independent retailers and the communities they serve. Whether that is through business education or helping stores rebuild in the wake of natural disasters,” said Patrick Keiser, Executive Director, Heart on Main Street. “This award reflects the countless small business owners who pour their hearts into their Main Streets every day, and we are proud to support them every step of the way. We’re deeply grateful to be acknowledged for the work we’re doing to make sure these businesses not only survive but thrive.”

Reservations for the ARTS Awards open in early October. Tickets will be $190 for ART members and $225 for non-members. Discounted rates for full tables of (8) and (10) guests are also available.

Keep up-to-date with Dallas Market Center events and happenings on Facebook and Instagram and use #ARTSAwards to stay connected.

To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center and Lightovation Apps. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Blog.