Main Street Manning received two statewide Main Street Inspiration Awards this month, recognizing a longtime partnership with the Manning Lions Club and the volunteer service of Jesse and Anna Surette.
The awards, presented through Main Street South Carolina in partnership with the Municipal Association of South Carolina, highlight projects and individuals that strengthen downtown communities across the state.
The Outstanding Partnership Award recognized the collaboration between Main Street Manning and the Manning Lions Club, whose members have spent several years placing American flags throughout downtown on each of the nation's 11 federal holidays.
As Main Street Manning expanded the number of flags displayed, the organization sought a community partner to help with the labor. The Lions Club stepped in, providing volunteers to install and remove approximately 80 flags for holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Main Street Manning supplies the flags, flagpoles and storage, while Lions Club members provide the manpower needed to create the displays.
According to Main Street Manning, the volunteer labor represents an estimated value of $1,670 each year, totaling about $5,000 since the partnership began.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Jesse and Anna Surette, a Manning couple recognized for their volunteerism and continued investment in their hometown.
Jesse Surette, a downtown merchant and financial adviser with Edward Jones, has offered financial workshops for small-business owners and city employees while also supporting local entrepreneurs. Anna Surette serves as communications director for Laurence Manning Academy and regularly contributes graphic design work and creative support for community projects.
Together, the couple has volunteered as photographers for Main Street Manning events, served on committees for the annual Farm to Table Dinner and contributed to numerous community initiatives. Anna also helped prepare tomato pies for the Farm to Table event.
Main Street Manning reported the couple donated 35 volunteer hours directly to the organization in 2025, in addition to the time they spent serving other community groups.
The Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce also recognized the Surettes, noting Jesse's previous service as the chamber's tourism director. The chamber highlighted the couple's volunteer work during the annual Striped Bass Festival, where Jesse assists with early morning downtown setup and Anna serves as director of the Children's Art Show.
