Downtown group wins national award
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on June 9, 2004 2:06 PM
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation has been nationally recognized for its revitalization efforts.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center recognized the DGDC as a 2004 national Main Street program.
"A healthy Main Street district is vital to a healthy community," said Kennedy Smith, director of the National Trust's Main Street program. "Not only do Main Street districts reflect their communities' evolution and personalities, they also generate significant revenues for local governments."
Mayor Al King said that he was proud of the DGDC for its hard work.
"This is not an easy accreditation to receive," King said. "There are at least 10 different standards the organization has to meet."
The annual recognition program evaluates commercial district revitalization program criteria ranging from having an active board of directors and paid professional manager to tracking economic progress and preserving historic Main Street buildings.
"Rebuilding a district's economic health and maintaining that success requires broad-based community involvement, active support from both the public and private sectors, and sound management," said Smith. "The revitalization programs we recognize each year as National Main Street Programs are those that have demonstrated the skills needed to succeed in Main Street revitalization.
The program's performance is evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street Center.
Julie Thompson, DGDC director, said the recognition came about through the cumulative efforts of the staff, community leaders, DGDC board members and sponsors, along with downtown property and business owners.
"Their efforts have enabled us to accept this recognition," Mrs. Thompson. "We are very proud and hope this recognition reiterates the importance of our efforts in downtown Goldsboro."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit organization. It provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize communities. For more information, visit the National Trust's website at www.nationaltrust.org.