Press Release - Thursday, February 16, 2006
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Jacksonville Main Street earns nationwide recognition!
SPRINGFIELD - Thursday, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn announced Jacksonville's selection as a semifinalist for the nationwide 2006 Great American Main Street Award.
"The Jacksonville Main Street revitalization project has long been a leading example for towns across Illinois to follow," Quinn said. "And thanks to its city leaders and volunteers, a thriving downtown Jacksonville is now a model program for the nation."
The selection of Jacksonville Main Street as a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award is an honor given to only 11 cities nationwide. Five of these cities will win the award and $2,500 to further downtown revitalization. The National Trust for Historic Preservation will present the awards at its National Main Streets Conference in New Orleans on June 5.
Quinn was joined by state legislators and Jacksonville community leaders, including Jacksonville Main Street Executive Director Judy Tighe.
In the six short years since Jacksonville joined the Illinois Main Street program, downtown Jacksonville has racked up numerous successes including:
· 17 business openings or expansions
· Completion of seven historic building projects and 18 façade projects
· Nearly $9 million reinvested in downtown Jacksonville by private owners
· Creation of 94 new jobs
· 30% increase in local-business sales
The Lt. Governor's office administers the Illinois Main Street program that is based on a national model that offers communities help with issues such as downtown improvements, historic preservation and economic development.
Illinois Main Street represents one of the state's most effective public-private partnerships for economic development and community renewal. Since its inception, designated communities have reported net gains of more than 1,600 new downtown businesses and created more than 6,000 new full and part-time jobs. The Main Street program has spurred the reinvestments of more than $575 million in Main Street downtowns.
For more information about the Illinois Main Street program visit: www.IllinoisMainStreet.org.
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