Heart of Biddeford, an organization that promotes the city’s downtown revitalization, has received accreditation from the National Main Street Center.
The nonprofit Heart of Biddeford partners with the city, business community, property owners and residents to foster economic development and improve the downtown, which has been undergoing a transformation as former mills are repurposed.
“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s recipients for their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach,” said Patrice Frey, president of National Main Street Center, in a prepared statement. “Nationally accredited Main Street America communities work to strengthen the economic, social and cultural fabric of communities across the country.”
National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a network of more than 1,000 neighborhoods and communities focused on preservation-based economic development.
Heart of Biddeford announced its accreditation status Tuesday morning.
Three years ago, the Heart of Biddeford launched a “Main Street Challenge” that helped small businesses open downtown. Those businesses included Elements: Books Coffee Beer, Desert Moon Leather and Biscuits & Company. The organization also helps organize and promote community events, including the upcoming River Jam Festival on Sept. 17.
“Heart of Biddeford’s revitalization efforts build on the work of many people before us, and happen in partnership with the municipality, the business community, hundreds of committed citizens and our partnering organizations,” said Delilah Poupore, the organization’s executive director. “It’s cooperative community development that leads to better economic development for our region.”
Heart of Biddeford’s next major program is the Great Space Showcase on Sept. 26. The group is working with property owners to showcase available spaces downtown and attract businesses interested in moving to Biddeford.
Heart of Biddeford also is actively seeking pop-up stores for November and December to create more vibrant scene and draw more people to check out retail opportunities in Biddeford, Poupore said.
“There’s a movement building here,” Poupore said. “And Heart of Biddeford is proud to partner with so many to foster the revitalization of this beautiful city.”
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