Morristown Earns Main Street Community Certification
NASHVILLE – Morristown, located in Hamblen County, has joined the list of certified communities in the Tennessee Main Street Program, bringing the total to 23 Tennessee communities certified through the state program and accredited by the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“The Main Street Program helps communities preserve the physical appeal of their downtown districts, which is an essential component of economic growth,” said Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. “I applaud the leaders of Morristown for recognizing the importance of downtown revitalization and for utilizing this program to attract new industries and grow jobs.”
The Tennessee Main Street Program is part of the Community Development Division at ECD. It provides communities with technical assistance and guidance in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development. The program provides information and assistance in forging public networking and training opportunities for downtown commercial districts.
“Participation in this program places emphasis on downtown historic preservation, which is a great way to secure the economic viability of an area,” said Kimberly Nyberg, Tennessee Main Street Program coordinator. “It also qualifies the community to participate in state-funded grant programs to improve their downtown revitalization efforts.”
Tennessee has participated as a coordinating partner in the National Main Street Program since 1983. The program requires communities to meet requirements before becoming certified, including broad-based support for downtown revitalization through local citizens and government involvement, financial commitment, organizational structure, potential, previous history of downtown activities and a comprehensive understanding of the Main Street “Approach to Revitalization.”
About the Tennessee Main Street Program
Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that also focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of their downtown district. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit the ECD Web site at www.tnecd.gov.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.
###
Contact: Michaela Jackson, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: michaela.jackson@tn.gov
