By SALINA POST
Salina Downtown has received Main Street America™ accreditation, joining 862 other cities across the nation.
“We are so excited about our accomplishments in the last year. Our office is so proud to represent our downtown business owners by helping make downtown Salina a destination”, said Leslie Bishop, Salina Downtown, Inc., executive director.
In a news release issued this morning, Bishop noted that, "Salina Downtown has seen a surge of excitement and momentum in the last year. Salina Downtown Inc has a full staff working hard to bring live entertainment and events to our local community and for our out-of-town guests to enjoy. In the past year and in early 2022 we have installed 47 security cameras though out the district. We brought back First Friday and are thrilled to say that we have live entertainment in the district now through the end of October 2022."
In April, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was in town to announce that Salina, along with Great Bend and Hays, had rejoined the Kansas Main Street program.
"Because of these communities' strong leadership and commitment, they've returned to this program that, without a doubt, is proving to be a winning approach to economic development," Kelly said.
The Salina Downtown, Inc.’s performance is annually evaluated by Kansas Main Street which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets, Bishop noted this morning.
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.