Connecticut Main Street Center
Press Release
2008 National Main Street Communities
to be announced in Philadelphia on March 31, 2008
Norwich
Rose City Renaissance
Richard Bryan Kramer, Executive Director
Les King, Board President
Simsbury
Simsbury Main Street Partnership
Sarah Floroski, Executive Director
Rich Correia, Board President
Upper Albany – Hartford
Upper Albany Main Street
Marilyn Risi, Executive Director
George Scott, Board President
Waterbury
Main Street Waterbury
Carl Rosa, Chief Executive Officer
Stephen R. Sasala II, Board President
Connecticut’s 2008 National Main Street Communities will also be recognized
at the Connecticut Main Street Awards Presentation on June 9, 2008 at
The Wauregan Ballroom in downtown Norwich.
Each year Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) and National Main Street Center (NMSC) evaluate designated Main Street programs on the basis of ten performance standards, and provide national recognition (National Main Street Community status) to those that meet these standards. These same performance standards are used in the annual self-assessment and follow-up meetings between your designated Main Street programs and CMSC.
The National Main Street Community program, developed by NMSC, provides benchmarks and guidelines on how an organization best functions and offers national status as an incentive to organizations to perform better and be more effective. 2008 National Accreditation is based on 2007 performance.
The benefits of being recognized as a National Main Street Program include recognizing organizations and providing attention within their community. While accredited programs receive a certificate and a special press release to be used locally to promote their status, the ultimate benefit is a stronger and better functioning organization.
Overall goals:
To provide national and local visibility to Main Street programs which understand and fully utilize the four-point Main Street approach and eight Main Street principles and which continue to evolve organizationally to meet new challenges;
To provide national standards for performance for Main Street programs; and
To provide realistic goals and a tangible incentive for local Main Street programs which do not yet meet the criteria for national recognition.
We have been asked by NMSC that we not publicly announce Connecticut’s 2008 National Main Street Communities until after March 31, 2008. However, in response to requests from designated Main Street Executives, we have chosen to privately notify you in advance of next week’s National Main Street Conference in Philadelphia. An official press release from our office will go out with this announcement on April 2, 2008.
Please know that the criteria and performance standards used to establish national accreditation are the same as those used in the annual program assessment process. CMSC is currently working on summary reports that reflect the recent program self-assessment process and the follow-up meetings with staff. These reports will provide observations on each program’s current performance level and will also provide recommendations on addressing expressed opportunities and challenges.
Audio Tour of Downtown Waterbury »»»
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Main Street Waterbury Office – 203-757-0701 ext. 302
crosa@mainstreetwaterbury.com
Carl Rosa Graduates from Institute for Certification in Professional Main Street™ Management
Washington, DC (May 19, 2008) – The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized this year’s graduates from its Institute for Certification in Professional Main Street™ Management in front of 1,600 of their peers during the opening session of the National Main Streets Conference in Philadelphia on March.31.
The 11 graduates were recognized for their exceptional aptitude in applying the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a historic preservation-based economic development methodology. Designation as a Certified Main Street Manager is the highest certification level for this growing professional specialty within the broader economic development industry.
“The Certification Institute recognizes Main Street practitioners who have demonstrated a high level of understanding and application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach™,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “This class’ ability to execute successful revitalization efforts has raised the bar for professionalism and ability in this field.” Graduates must pass entrance exams; attend two, week-long intense training within a two-year period; and pass four exams.
The following 2008 Certification Institute graduates who now have their Certified Main Street Manger (CMSM) credentials are:
Connie Burd, CMSM, Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful, Waynesburg, PA
Nolan Crowley, CMSM, Okmulgee Main Street, Inc., Okmulgee, OK
Richard Cunningham, CMSM, Thoma Development Consultants, Cortland, NY
Lorraine Dion, CMSM, Middletown Main Street, Inc., Middletown, DE
Christine Gardner, CMSM, Washington Business District Authority, Washington, PA
Richard Groves, CMSM, Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc., Liberty, MO
Karen Helm, CMSM, East Old Town Development Board, Winchester, VA
Jayne McGuire, CMSM, Main Street Le Mars, Le Mars, IA
Maryellen Mooney, CMSM, Wilburton Main Street, Inc., Wilburton, OK
Andre Natta, CMSM, Birmingham, AL
Carl Rosa, CMSM, Main Street Waterbury, Waterbury, CT
“The Main Street Waterbury program is very fortunate to have a Main Street executive of Carl Rosa’s caliber. Since our program’s inception Carl has been at the forefront of the Main Street movement here in Waterbury and in the process has garnered the recognition and respect of his fellow Main Street executives nationally. This certification is a professional accomplishment for Carl as well as a personal goal,” stated Steve Sasala, Main Street Waterbury Board President.
Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their traditional historic commercial districts. The Main Street Center leads the preservation-based community revitalization movement and has proven that historic preservation and community-driven economic development effects lasting change. Active in more than 2,150 downtowns and neighborhood business districts, the Main Street program has generated more than $44.9 billion in new investment. Participating communities have created 370,500 net new jobs, 82,900 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 199,500 buildings, leveraging an average of more than $25 in new investment for every dollar spent on Main Street initiatives.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org
Main Street Waterbury is a grassroots, downtown management and revitalization program in the context of historic preservation. Through improving the physical appearance of downtown Waterbury, promoting its architectural and cultural assets, organizing volunteer initiatives, sponsoring events, and fostering public/private partnerships, Main Street Waterbury hopes to economically rejuvenate Waterbury’s downtown district without sacrificing its character or heritage. For more information visit www.mainstreetwaterbury.com
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