Latest news with #MainStreetAmerica
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Joplin Alliance designated an accredited Main Street America program
The Downtown Joplin Alliance has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program. Lori Haun, executive director of the DJA, said in a statement: 'Being an Accredited Main Street program enables DJA to benefit from a nationwide coalition of Main Streets, consultants and mentors with an ever-growing wealth of best practices and knowledge at their disposal. This guidance allows for us to maintain steady progression and growth, even in chaotic times.' Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation — affiliate and accredited. To quality for accredited status — Main Street America's top designation tier—communities must show a track record of achieving outcomes in alignment with the Main Street Approach in six areas: broad-based community commitment to revitalization, inclusive leadership and organizational capacity, diversified funding and sustainable program operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrated impact and results. Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America, said in a statement: 'Their tireless efforts show what's possible when engaged leaders work together to shape places that reflect the people they serve. The continued impact of our network shows that the Main Street movement remains a powerful force for positive transformation.' Downtown Joplin Alliance's performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization's personnel and board of directors, and Missouri Main Street Connection, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet national community evaluation standards. In 2024, Downtown Joplin had nearly 350 housing units, with a 96% occupancy rate, with 200 additional units in development. Joplin's downtown is home to more than 500 businesses employing more than 5,000 people, many based in one of the 249 historic buildings in the district. Last year, Downtown Joplin Alliance accrued nearly 5,400 volunteer hours and was awarded $124,000 in grant funds. Last year, Main Street America programs generated $7.65 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,324 new businesses, facilitated the creation of 33,835 new jobs, rehabilitated 10,126 historic buildings, and logged 1.9 million volunteer hours.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Downtown Frederick Partnership has accreditation renewed
The Downtown Frederick Partnership has had its accreditation renewed for 2025 by the Main Street America organization for its work promoting business in the city's downtown. The Partnership joins 820 other communities across the country that have met the standards of the national organization, committed to maintaining economic development and community revitalization in towns and cities around the country. Downtown Frederick Partnership Executive Director Kara Norman said in a press release that the designation shows the organization's ongoing efforts to maintain a vibrant and resilient downtown that reflects the cit's character, history, and entrepreneurial spirit. To be accredited by the national organization, communities have to demonstrate a proven record of exceptional performance in six areas, according to a press release from the Partnership. The criteria are: •broad-based community commitment to revitalization •inclusive leadership and organizational capacity •diversified funding and sustainable program operations •strategy-driven programming •preservation-based economic development •demonstrated impact and results. In 2024, the Partnership facilitated more than 3,146 volunteer hours and supported the opening of 20 new businesses downtown, according to the release. It also hosted the Main Street Maryland Conference to discuss best practices in downtown revitalization, the state's first such conference. Along with the Partnership, Frederick County has five other Main Street communities — in Brunswick, Middletown, Mount Airy, New Market, and Thurmont.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New $100K grant to help with downtown Florence development
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — Usually, restaurants and entertainment come to mind when people think of downtown Florence. But with a new, $100,000 grant, the Florence Downtown Redevelopment Corporation hopes to change that. For nearly 50 years, Main Street America has partnered with nationally recognized corporations and foundations to deliver grants and support local economies. Hannah Davis, the Main Street program manager of Florence, says the city was one of a few nationally chosen. 'We are one of three recipients of accelerator spaces in the country, which is really exciting that Florence was chosen,' Davis said. 'This facility is currently under design phase with the architects and the design company, and really, there isn't a whole lot to do.' This year, after applying for the grant, the Florence Downtown Economic Development Corporation was awarded $100,000 from the Hartfood, a Fortune 500 insurance company. The money will establish a two-storefront retail incubator space on the first floor of the 1900 square foot space on W. Evans Street. It's owned by the city of Florence and located directly across from the Florence City Center building and will house two businesses. 'So, with this physical space, which will be offered to two tenants for the first year, and we will be able to start accepting tenants, hopefully by the end of this year,' Davis said. 'We will start the application process and the vetting of tenants and getting them squared away and put into this facility.' The space will help small retailers grow from start-ups to established businesses and provide a supportive environment, like marketing and financial management. The program is not designed for dining or entertainment. 'This program specifically is for business owners who currently operate a pop-up shop, so if you're popping up a retail business at a festival or an event, or if you're at a farmers market currently, you can come here,' Davis said. 'People who are online business exclusively and people who have maybe tested with some pilot or tested with some pop-ups who aren't quite sure if they're ready for a brick and mortar — they will be able to come in here as well.' The program, once it's started, will have 12 classes throughout the year and will be open to small business owners who want to participate — whether you have a downtown business or not. The city will announce and accept applications later this year, here. The program will be up and running by May 2026. * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anniston earns national Main Street America accreditation for first time
ANNISTON — For the first time in city history, Anniston has received national accreditation from Main Street America, earning the prestigious designation as a 2025 Accredited Main Street America program. The recognition is the highest honor awarded by the national Main Street America network and reflects Anniston's growing success in economic development, historic preservation and downtown revitalization. Local leaders and business owners say the honor validates the years of work invested in bringing life and opportunity back to the city's historic downtown. 'This recognition is a major milestone for our team and community,' said Karla Eden, executive director of Main Street Anniston. 'Earning accreditation reflects countless hours of collaboration, planning, and dedication. This honor belongs to our volunteers, city partners, local businesses, and staff who work each day to bring that vision to life.' The rigorous accreditation process requires programs to demonstrate success in six areas: community commitment, inclusive leadership, sustainable operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and measurable results. Main Street Anniston was evaluated by both the Main Street Alabama coordinating program and Main Street America. Eden said the journey to national recognition has not been easy—but the community never lost sight of downtown's potential. 'We've faced challenges, grown through experience, and stayed committed to building a downtown where people want to be,' she said. 'As we celebrate this achievement, we stay focused on the future—creating a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving heart of Anniston.' For Ann Welch, longtime Noble Street business person and owner of Nunnally's Art & Frame, the recognition is a long-overdue milestone—and a hopeful sign for the future. 'I've always said downtown is an economic development opportunity. It's not just fun and a cutesy thing to do,' she said. 'It is one of our economic drivers, because people like downtowns. But like anything else, you have to make an investment in it.' Welch emphasized that downtown revitalization isn't just about aesthetics—it's a real economic engine. She added that investments in small businesses and incentives for property development downtown must match the support often given to large retailers. 'Just as the cities subsidize big box companies that come in here, they're going to need to make it possible for smaller businesses to make a go of it,' she said. 'No one can—or will—ever invest more in a property or a business than they could possibly get a return on.' Welch is encouraged by the momentum and hopes it continues westward into some of the more neglected parts of downtown, envisioning new restaurants, bars and residential developments that could expand the district's draw. 'We have enough infrastructure down here and a large enough downtown that it can grow and grow and continue,' she said. 'I say keep going in that direction. I think you can build on it.' She added, 'I'm really happy to see it—happy for Karla Eden and her volunteers, and everyone that's working on that, and for leadership to realize the importance.' City leaders echoed that sentiment, calling the accreditation a validation of years of hard work—and a springboard for even greater revitalization ahead. For more information about Main Street Anniston, visit
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
An Iowa town was named one of the country's best main streets. How did it win the award?
Iowa is home to one of the best main streets in the United States. Jefferson, Iowa, was honored with one of the 2025 Great American Main Street Awards, which recognizes communities for "preservation-based commercial district revitalization." Only three cities were selected for the award by a national jury of community preservation professionals, according to American Main Street Awards. 'Jefferson Matters exemplifies the power of creative and community-driven solutions,' said Erin Barnes, President and CEO at Main Street America. 'By leveraging public art as a tool for economic growth, they have transformed downtown Jefferson into a beautiful and thriving Main Street that celebrates both its history and its future. Their innovative direction demonstrates the impact of the Main Street Approach in fostering vibrant communities.' The city of Jefferson received the award for its "significant" investments in its public arts programs, according to Main Street America. Since 2012, Jefferson Matters has invested $24 million to rehabilitate its downtown, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority. That investment has led to 45 new businesses and renovations to more than 100 buildings. For example, the rooftops of several buildings downtown have installed art displays that can be seen from the top of the Mahanay Bell Tower. The bell tower is on the corner of the courthouse square in downtown Jefferson. "Our community, board, and volunteers have embraced the idea that public art is more than just decoration—it is a driver of economic growth, a source of civic pride, and a way to bring people together," said Matt Wetrich, the executive director of Jefferson Matters, in an interview for Main Streets America. Jefferson is a town of 4,100 people in central Iowa. It is possibly best known for the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. It is a 14-story tower where visitors can ride a glass elevator up 120 feet to the observation deck. Every year, Jefferson hosts the Bell Tower Festival, which features vendors, a carnival and a street dance. The three-day event also has a parade and sports tournaments. Jefferson is one of 14 central Iowa communities connected by the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The trail is the longest paved loop in the nation, totaling 72 miles within 89 miles of recreational trailers, according to its website. Jefferson is the county seat of Green County. It is just over an hour northwest of Des Moines and is roughly halfway between Boone and Carroll on U.S. Highway 30. Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@ or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa town named one of the best main streets in US. How did it win?
