Missouri Main Street Connection Awarded the Spirit of Main Street Legacy Award to Rex Smarr
Warrensburg, Mo. (August 1, 2026) –
Branson, MO. – Missouri Main Street Connection awarded the Spirit of Main Street Legacy Award to Rex Smarr during Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference’s Evening of Excellence Legacy Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Veridian Events.
Rex Smarr received this legacy award for decades worth of lasting impact that transformed the culture of community pride and involvement in Warrensburg along with the downtown district itself.
Since Warrensburg Main Street began in 1994, Rex has been there. He joined the group of local business owners because he saw first-hand Warrensburg’s challenges and potential from his job at an insurance office downtown. Rex reflects on his involvement, sharing, “I felt like it was always important to be involved in the community… Downtown is the heart of the city… Bringing people downtown and buying into that success can change people’s perception of how the city is.”
Rex has served on all four Main Street committees and contributed to countless special projects, including a multi-year, multi-phase streetscape project that modernized Warrensburg’s downtown; a memorial brick campaign that physically and emotionally connected families to the district in a lasting way; seasonal banners and holiday garland across more than 50 downtown light poles with the help of friends and family to assist; Fashion Becomes Art; and Day of Caring.
He also assisted the organization achieve National and State Accreditation in 2009, a milestone that reflected years of strategic planning, dedication, and community support.
His children are part of his Main Street legacy as they grew up watching his commitment to community and followed in his footsteps, carrying that same passion into their own lives. His sons, Kevin and Darin, have been actively involved in Warrensburg Main Street in a variety of roles.
Rex Smarr is still there today, 30+ years later, as a true spirit of Main Street who inspires others through a life of service, humility, leadership, and passion, and for that he deserves the Spirit of Main Street Legacy Award.
About Warrensburg Main Street
Warrensburg Main Street, Inc. promotes, improves, and preserves the unique character and economic vitality of downtown Warrensburg while embracing our growing community through a group of visionary community leaders and staff. They strive to continue economic growth and positive change that betters Warrensburg’s historic downtown and community.
For more information on this award, contact Warrensburg Main Street’s Executive Director Jamie DeBacker at director@warrensburgmainstreet.org or 660-429-3988.
About Missouri Main Street Connection
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) is the leading statewide nonprofit organization devoted to preservation-based economic development. Through the Main Street America™ movement and our partners, we empower community revitalization by celebrating, supporting, and sustaining Missouri historic commercial districts in both rural and urban settings. Since 2006, Missouri Main Street districts have seen $1.5 billion in public and private investment and MMSC has worked in over 200 communities. These Missouri Main Street communities and districts are thriving and vibrant by engaging the community members in revitalization strategies to create experiences that preserve their history and culture. Follow Missouri Main Street Connection on Facebook @MissouriMainStreetConnection and Instagram @MOmainstreet.
For additional information, contact State Director Gayla Roten at 417-334-3014.
Mailing address for inquiries: PO Box 1066, Branson, MO 65615.