Lyons Main Street Receives 2023 Accreditation
Courtesy of the City of Lyons
Lyons Main Street has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation- based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.
“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”
In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, 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.
Collectively, 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.
Lyons Main Street’s performance is annually evaluated by Georgia Main Street, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous 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.
Last year, Lyons Main Street opened 304 Society Garden, a downtown park, and rehabilitated a city owned building to be utilized as the Altamaha Cultural Museum, Welcome Center, and Lyons Main Street office. This year, Lyons Main Street will be deeding land over to the City of Lyons to be developed into a parking lot.
“We’re always excited when new businesses open downtown. It not only creates jobs but attracts visitors to our area and builds on the success of our community,” says Lyons Main Street Executive Director Daphne Walker. “Our downtown continues to thrive due to the commitment of our property owners, business owners, city government, and community. The City of Lyons Development Authority has been reenacted and we look forward to working with them to help further success of local businesses. Lyons plays an important role in our community’s long-term quality of life.”
Lyons Main Street is devoted to developing and maintaining a healthy, viable downtown commercial district symbolic of community caring, and the high quality of life available to residents and visitors alike. If you would like to volunteer with the Lyons Main Street Program or need more information, visit www.lyonsmainstreet. com or call (912) 5266445.
REPO GONE WRONG – A routine repossession of a 2014 Ford pickup truck on Thursday, May 18, turned into a serious accident when the truck owner attempted to remove the vehicle from the tow truck’s hookup, causing the pickup truck to overturn in the Lowe’s parking lot. No one was seriously injured.
