Old Town Cape, Inc. receives 2023 Main Street American Accreditation
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Old Town Cape, Inc. has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program.
Every year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
This year, Main Street American is recognizing 862 Accredited Main Street America programs for their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts, according to Hannah White, interim president & CEO of Main Street America.
In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment. They helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours.
On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.
In total, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts.
An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors, according to Main Street America.
Old Town Cape’s performance is annually evaluated by Missouri Main Street Connection. It works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards.
To quality for accreditation status, communities must meet a set of standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
In 2022, 23 new businesses opened in downtown Cape Girardeau creating 62 new jobs. A total of more than $10 million was invested in downtown Cape.
More than 2,460 volunteer hours were invested in the Cape Girardeau downtown community.
Old Town Cape awarded seven downtown businesses with the Façade Improvement Grant and three young entrepreneurs for Youth Entrepreneurship Day at the Cape Riverfront Market.
Old Town Cape also hosted 57 events in 2022 to promote Downtown Cape.
“We are honored to receive national accreditation once again through Main Street America. Old Town Cape is so grateful for the support of its amazing community partners, volunteers, supporters, residents, and downtown business owners who share the organization’s commitment to the continued vibrancy of our downtown community” said Executive Director, Liz Haynes.
