Peabody Main Street Assn. receives national attention
The efforts of the Peabody Main Street Association have earned it recognition for commercial district revitalization by meeting standards of performance set by the National Trust for Historic Preservation's National Main Street Center. Peabody Main Street joins 560 other Main Street revitalization programs nationally recognized as a National Main Street Program for 2004.
"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."
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 was evaluated by the Kansas Main Street Program which is the statewide coordinating organization for Main Street program in Kansas. Kansas Main Street is a program of Kansas Department of Commerce.
"This recognition by the National Trust is a testament to the vision and leadership of the Peabody Main Street board and committees and to the Peabody City Council," commented Joanna Brazil, director of Peabody Main Street Association. "These are people who continue to share their time, talents, energy, and finances for the benefit of our community."
Brazil added, "The Main Street program is an excellent vehicle for our community to use in its journey forward. The Main Street comprehensive approach is not easy, nor is it a quick fix. To be successful, it must be strategic and have the support of an active volunteer base. The Peabody Main Street program's volunteer support is amazing, and we hope it continues to grow. We have a great time working on projects together."
The Peabody Main Street Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to ensure that Peabody continues to grow and thrive while preserving its historic character through community involvement.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust provides leadership, education, and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Its Washington, D.C., staff, six regional offices, and 21 historic sites work with the Trust's quarter-million members and thousands of local community groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the National Trust's website at www.nationaltrust.org.
