DGDC up for Main Street award
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 29, 2016 9:57 AM
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. has been named as a semifinalist for a first-ever national Main Street award.
Goldsboro is one of 10 cities in the running for the Great American Main Street Award that will be announced May 1 at the Main Street Now conference in Pittsburgh.
Other finalists include Berlin, Md.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Chillicothe, Mo.; Columbus, Ga.; Covington, Ky.; Los Alamos, N.M.; New Orleans, La.; Wausau, Wis.; and West Chester, Pa.
"Realizing that we have been selected for consideration of a GAMSA award is beyond exciting considering the competition and all the great downtown efforts that are taking place across the country," said DGDC Director Julie Metz.
"Being one of the 10 semi-finalists is a huge honor and a credit to all the people that have worked so hard for Goldsboro to make this a reality. I believe that our selection is a result of our spirit, resolve and effective implementation of vision."
The National Main Street Center has recognized DGDC's success in following national Main Street goals that have led to the rehabilitation of 650 buildings and 100 new businesses since 1984.
Each year, the National Main Street Center recognizes communities with successful models of comprehensive, preservation-based commercial district revitalization efforts.
Also recognized are communities that work to strengthen downtown areas by creating exciting places to live, work, play and visit. Award-winning communities are also noted as having a commitment to historic preservation, being actively involved in the public and private sectors and inclusive engagement of community members and stakeholders during revitalization efforts.
"The Great American Main Street Award is the highest recognition given out by the National Main Street Center," said Patrice Frey, president and chief executive officer. "Each year, we celebrate exceptional Main Street America organizations for their work in creating more economically, socially and culturally vibrant commercial districts.
"This year's winners are truly at the forefront of commercial district revitalization."