news 9/17/24: MAINE DOWNTOWN CENTER NAMES ELLSWORTH AN ACCREDITED MAIN ST COMMUNITY: SEE UPDATES HERE!

Heart of Ellsworth, applying for Main Street America designation!

Back in 2020, Heart of Ellsworth’s dedicated staff and volunteers helped the downtown district become a Main Street America Affiliate™️. As an affiliate community, Ellsworth became part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities around the country that share a commitment to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.

In 2024, Heart of Ellsworth is expanding this network by applying to become a Main Street America Accredited™️community. This new designation provides formal recognition by peers, both within the institution and across the country, encourages planning, identifies areas for improvement, and provides substantial support and resources that assist in informing decisions across all city departments with business leaders. Main Street designation provides opportunities to participate in programs that offer continual benefits and support to the downtown district, ultimately benefiting the entire city.

The Application Process

Applying for this designation is complex, but the timing is right for Ellsworth. As a Maine Street Affiliate since 2020, Heart of Ellsworth has the leadership and infrastructure to take the next step. We successfully navigated the affiliate application process with the help of organizations like Maine Development Foundation (MDF) and its Maine Downtown Center (MDC) program. MDC is the state coordinator for the National Main Street Center’s Main Street America program. These organizations educate, train, coach, and support organizations, like Heart of Ellsworth, to meet Main Street standards and will continue to assist us through the designation process and beyond.

The process of applying for Main Street America Accredited™️ status will strengthen city organization relationships and promote a mutual agenda to empower and lead the growth and prosperity of Ellsworth’s downtown district and surrounding communities. As advised, we have formed a committee of area professionals representing different roles and viewpoints to complete the application process. Committee meetings are focused on assessing ideal sources of key information about the city and the downtown district. Through a SWOT analysis, the committee will pinpoint Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that contribute to the downtown’s priorities and future success. With this information, in combination with current City planning initiatives, community survey input, and census data, we will complete the application mid-year in hopes of designation by November of 2024.

Meet the Ellsworth Main Street America Application Committee

Abbe Levin – Cultural Tourism Coordinator, Maine Office of Tourism and serves on the Maine Downtown Center Advisory Council

Anne Ball – Program Director, Maine Downtown Center

Cara Romano – Executive Director, Heart of Ellsworth

Hugh Palcic - Downtown Business owner, Zeppa’s Pizza

Jack Frost - V.P., Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, President Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce

Karin Otto – Business Consultant, Heart of Ellsworth Board Vice President

Michael Reisman – Retired Executive Director, Beth C. Wright Cancer Center, and Downtown Ellsworth Resident

Michael Sealander – Downtown Business Owner, Sealander Architects  

Michelle Beal – Ellsworth City Council Chair and, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Phyllis Young – Heart of Ellsworth Board Member and Former Heart of Ellsworth Board President

PJ Keenan – Executive Director, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce

Sylvie Piquet - Program Director, Maine Downtown Center

Join Us! Bring Main Street Benefits to Downtown Ellsworth!

Here’s how you can help Ellsworth become part of this program: . . .

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