Du Quoin Main Street Programs 4-Year Run Ends

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Du Quoin Main Street Program executive director Pam Pereira is a class act.

Her poise and propriety were intact during the program's finest hour and again Monday night during its darkest hour--when Pereira announced the end of the program's four-year run.

Pereira will resign September 8 as program director as the Main Street Program and its board are disbanded. "I leave this with sadness in my heart, but knowing Du Quoin will come back stronger."

Pereira told the council that the clock began running after the May meeting of the council and neither the finances of the program nor the participation among downtowners have improved. "I want to thank the mayor and the council for the support and financial help in bringing back pride in our heritage. Main Street has struggled for four years," she said, reading the names of every board member and intern who served the program. Pereira was responsible for bringing to Du Quoin high quality programs like the Veterans Day parade and Du Quoin Heritage Days, the latter of which fell victim to rain and lack of participation.

But the connectivity that Pereira brought to people trying to get a foothold in business has been unprecedented. Components like the Du Quoin Historic Preservation Commission are expected to continue, and Pereira asked the town that others pick up where she leaves off.

Perhaps the highest compliment came from commissioner Rex Duncan who told Pereira, "You folks moved heaven and earth for the people of Du Quoin. We cannot thank you enough." Mayor John Rednour added his deep appreciation to all for their dedication and commitment.