Albemarle is one of 47 communities in the state that was recently designated a 2020 Accredited Main Street America Program.

“There’s certain requirements that you have to meet to be able to maintain that accreditation and I’m pleased that we were able to do that here in our office,” said Joy Almond, Main Street Manager and director of the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC). “It’s always nice to know that we kept our Main Street Accreditation — it’s that stamp of approval that lets us know we’re moving in the right direction.”

Joy Almond

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for 40 years and now encompasses more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, according to its website.

Other nearby communities that received accreditation are Concord, Monroe and Salisbury.

“The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is proud of this year’s accredited communities,” said Liz Parham, director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center in a new release. “These communities have worked hard to build sustainable organizations, which are able to create vibrant downtowns that can pivot quickly during a crisis like COVID-19. We commend these communities and their volunteers on these accomplishments and look forward to seeing their continued success.”

Albemarle first received the Main Street Program designation in May 1993 and has met the requirements to retain its accreditation each year since, Almond said.

“The great thing about the Main Street Program is they provide a structure and accountability for organizations like Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation,” Almond said.

The ADDC devises a plan of work each year under the four key principles of the MSP: design, organization, promotions and economic vitality.

Since 1980, the North Carolina Main Street program has generated $3.25 billion in private and public investment, according to the Department of Commerce. In 2019, North Carolina Main Street downtown districts generated 345 net new businesses, 148 expansions of existing businesses, 2,211 net new jobs, 378 façade rehabilitations, 297 building rehabilitations and logged more than 150,000 volunteer hours.

The ADDC has several holiday events tentatively scheduled for the end of the year, though things could change due to the coronavirus pandemic. The events include the Holiday Sip and Shop on Nov. 20, the Albemarle Christmas Parade and Albemarle Downtown Christmas Open House on Nov. 28 and the Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 13.

Contact reporter Chris Miller at 704-982-2122.