(Sept. 22, 2016) Berlin Main Street has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2017 “Great American Main Street” award.
The Great American Main Street award is the highest recognition given out by the National Main Street Center.
“Each year, Main Street America celebrated exceptional Main Street organizations for their work in creating more economically, socially and culturally vibrant commercial districts,” Patrice Frey, the center’s president and CEO, said. “This year’s winners are truly at the forefront of commercial district revitalization. They are a testament to the power of the main street approach, and the great potential of downtown districts in cities and towns across the country.”
Together, this year’s semifinalists have generated almost $1 billion in public and private reinvestment while creating 5,679 new jobs, opening 1,085 new businesses, rehabbing 1,359 buildings and clocking more than 133,000 volunteer hours.
“We are all most appreciative of this nationwide designation. It is made possible through the ongoing efforts of Berlin citizens and our downtown businesses who work together to support a growing economy while preserving our small town charm,” Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said. “Being named one of only 10 semifinalists for the 2016 Great American Main Street award is another confirmation that the Town of Berlin continues to be a leader in creating a unique and attractive community for our citizens and guests.”
Winners will be announced this May at the Main Street Now Conference in Pittsburgh.
“We are very proud of this achievement,” Ivy Wells, director of economic and community development for the Town of Berlin and Berlin Main Street, said. “In 2015 we clocked nearly 2,400 volunteer hours and welcomed 11 new businesses. We also earned a number of accolades, including being listed as one of Southern Living Magazine’s 2016 “South’s Best Small Towns” and one of Esquire’s “Top 50 Coolest Small Towns in America.” So far 2016 has us even stronger than ever.”
The 2017 Finalists are: Berlin, Maryland; Cedar Rapids, Louisiana; Chillicothe, Missouri; Columbus, Georgia; Covington, Kentucky; Goldsboro, North Carolina; Los Alamos, New Mexico; New Orleans, Louisiana; Wausau, Wisconsin; and West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The Great American Main Street award is the highest recognition given out by the National Main Street Center.
“Each year, Main Street America celebrated exceptional Main Street organizations for their work in creating more economically, socially and culturally vibrant commercial districts,” Patrice Frey, the center’s president and CEO, said. “This year’s winners are truly at the forefront of commercial district revitalization. They are a testament to the power of the main street approach, and the great potential of downtown districts in cities and towns across the country.”
Together, this year’s semifinalists have generated almost $1 billion in public and private reinvestment while creating 5,679 new jobs, opening 1,085 new businesses, rehabbing 1,359 buildings and clocking more than 133,000 volunteer hours.
“We are all most appreciative of this nationwide designation. It is made possible through the ongoing efforts of Berlin citizens and our downtown businesses who work together to support a growing economy while preserving our small town charm,” Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said. “Being named one of only 10 semifinalists for the 2016 Great American Main Street award is another confirmation that the Town of Berlin continues to be a leader in creating a unique and attractive community for our citizens and guests.”
Winners will be announced this May at the Main Street Now Conference in Pittsburgh.
“We are very proud of this achievement,” Ivy Wells, director of economic and community development for the Town of Berlin and Berlin Main Street, said. “In 2015 we clocked nearly 2,400 volunteer hours and welcomed 11 new businesses. We also earned a number of accolades, including being listed as one of Southern Living Magazine’s 2016 “South’s Best Small Towns” and one of Esquire’s “Top 50 Coolest Small Towns in America.” So far 2016 has us even stronger than ever.”
The 2017 Finalists are: Berlin, Maryland; Cedar Rapids, Louisiana; Chillicothe, Missouri; Columbus, Georgia; Covington, Kentucky; Goldsboro, North Carolina; Los Alamos, New Mexico; New Orleans, Louisiana; Wausau, Wisconsin; and West Chester, Pennsylvania.