COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Olde Town Covington has been designated as an Affiliate Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Affiliate programs to recognize their commitment to create meaningful improvements to their downtowns using preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through their “Main Street Approach” transformation strategies.
“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 412 Affiliate Main Street America programs and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, interim president and CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”
The Olde Town Covington’s performance is annually evaluated by Mobilizing Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive, place-based revitalization efforts and achieving meaningful community outcomes.
Within the last year, six new businesses located into the downtown area along with two business expansions. Enhancements to the town’s Cork and Pork, Magic on Main and Hometown Halloween events took place, while the group introduced the Tea Party and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, bringing community members to the business district and engaging merchants. New businesses and pending investments in unoccupied property contributes to the upward economic development trend in downtown.
“Our affiliation with Main Street America offers our community access to resources that will propel our downtown district into a vibrant social and economic destination. Our team of energized citizens and new faces with new ideas are the heart of our events and revitalization efforts,” said Julie Stanley, president of Olde Town Covington.
In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support its operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into its downtown communities.
Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.
Olde Town Covington sponsors events and activities that provide a variety of entertainment, social, educational and commerce experiences for all ages in the Alleghany Highlands while welcoming visitors from neighboring communities and resorts. As a 501c3 nonprofit with grassroots power and volunteers, the organization uses sponsorships, grants, donations and bequests to promote the renovation, revitalization, beautification and preservation of the downtown destination center while supporting the development and expansion of business and commerce. For more information, visit www.oldetowncovington.com.
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