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Main Street Gettysburg earns Accredited Main Street America designation
Listen to this articleMain Street Gettysburg reported that it has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program.
Main Street America and its partners annually announce the list of accredited programs “to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach,” a release said.
The performance of Main Street Gettysburg is evaluated yearly by Pennsylvania Downtown Center, in partnership with Main Street America. Evaluation criteria include fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets.
Major progress on many projects in the historic district has been made. For example, the Steinwehr Avenue Business Improvement District was renewed for seven years.
“Main Street Gettysburg is very proud to continue our relationship with Main Street America,” President and CEO Jill Sellers said in the release. “Main Street Gettysburg is always engaged in strategies to ensure the future viability of our local economy and downtown business district, and accreditation helps us achieve those goals.”
Last year, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 businesses, created 30,402 jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours, the release noted. Every Main Street program dollar spent to support operations generated on average $19.34 of new investment.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” added Patrice Frey, president and CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities.”
Paula Wolf is a freelance writer
