Berlin, MD Semi-Finalist in Great American Main Street Award

Posted on September 21, 2016

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Information Contact:

Economic & Community Development Director: Ivy Wells

Phone: 410-629-1722

[email protected]

Main Street America Announces Berlin Main Street

As GAMSA Semi-Finalist

(Great American Main Street Award)

(September 19, 2016)

Berlin Main Street has been selected as a Semi-Finalist for the 2017 Great American Main Street Award. This was an extremely competitive year and it is truly an achievement to have reached this stage.

The Great American Main Street Award is the highest recognition given out by the National Main Street Center. Each year, Main Street America celebrated exceptional Main Street organizations for their work in creating more economically, socially and culturally vibrant commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, the Center’s President and CEO. “This year’s winners are truly at the forefront of commercial district revitalization. They are a testament to the power of the Main Street Approach, and the great potential of downtown districts in cities and towns across the country.”

And the praise is well deserved. Together, this year’s semi-finalists have generated almost a billion dollars in public and private reinvestment, while creating 5,679 new jobs, opening 1085 new businesses, rehabbing 1,359 buildings and clocking over 133,000 volunteer hours.

“We are all most appreciative of this nationwide designation. It is made possible through the ongoing efforts of Berlin citizens and our downtown businesses who work together to support a growing economy while preserving our small town charm. Being named one of only 10 semi-finalist for the 2016 Great American Main Street Award is another confirmation that the Town of Berlin continues to be a leader in creating a unique and attractive community for our citizens and guests.” – Mayor Gee Williams

Winners will be announced this May at the Main Street Now Conference in Pittsburgh.

“We are very proud of this achievement. In 2015 we clocked nearly 2,400 volunteer hours and welcomed 11 new businesses. We also earned a number of accolades, including being listed as one of Southern Living Magazine’s 2016 South’s Best Small Towns and one of Esquire’s Top 50 Coolest Small Towns in America and so far 2016 has us even stronger than ever.” – Ivy Wells, Director of Economic and Community Development Town of Berlin & Berlin Main Street.

The 2017 Finalists are: Berlin, MD., Cedar Rapids, Ia., Chillicothe, Mo., Columbus, Ga., Covington, Ky., Goldsboro, N.C., Los Alamos, N.M., New Orleans, La., Wausau, Wis., and West Chester, Pa.

Main Street America Contact: Steve Amraen, [email protected]

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