Item by Chris Graham
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Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. has been accredited as a 2008 National Main Street Program.
WDDI learned of the designation on Monday.
The development organization joins a list of more than 675 downtown-revitalization programs earning the distinction from the National Trust Main Street Center.
WDDI’s performance was evaluated by Virginia Main Street.
“The past year has been exciting and rejuvenating for the staff and board of WDDI,” WDDI board president Brent Frank said. “This accreditation is indicative of our commitment to the Main Street model and validates our adherence to the principles of the program. While the fundamentals of the approach are important, each community is unique and requires specialized programs for success. WDDI has celebrated numerous new business openings, enhanced our communication of successes, and conducted well attended new and annual events. All of this leads to greater visibility and elevated interest in the district.”
“We congratulate this year’s accredited National Main Street Programs for meeting our established performance standards,” said Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “Rebuilding a district’s economic health and maintaining that success requires broad-based community involvement and support, in addition to establishing a solid organization with sound management that is committed to long-term success.”