November 2024: ELLSWORTH receives MAIN ST COMMUNITY designation!
Heart of Ellsworth’s application leads to 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 expanded this network by applying to become a Main Street America Accredited™️ community. Designation was granted in November 2024. 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.
Maine's Accredited Main Street Communities: 2022 Gains
175 new jobs
63 new businesses
11,572 volunteer hours
58 building rehabilitations
$53,278,162 total reinvestment
Source: data collected in 2022 by Me Downtown Center
Pictured here, members of the Promotion Committee - This committee is one of the four pillars of the Main Street America Transformational Strategies.
“Being a Main Street America community is a special mark of distinction, and represents a commitment to continual improvement, community engagement, and rigorous outcome measurement. It offers national recognition and sends a strong message to local stakeholders, as well as city, state, and national funders. It signifies that you are part of a greater movement that has a 40-year proven track record of generating impressive economic returns, preserving community character, and celebrating local history. ”
Main Street Communities in Maine
Ten communities in Maine have received national accreditation from Main Street America and are designated Main Street America Accredited™️ Communities.
Augusta
Bath
Belfast
Biddeford
Brunswick
Ellsworth
Gardiner
Rockland
Saco
Skowhegan
Westbrook
Map of Main Street America communities
Join Us! Bring Main Street Benefits to Downtown Ellsworth!
Here’s how you can help Ellsworth become part of this program: . . .
Show Your Support
Be part of Ellsworth's Main Street journey! Share your thoughts on why Ellsworth deserves Main Street America status and the benefits you want for Downtown Ellsworth. Leave a comment below and join us in making history!