(Springfield) - On Thursday, Feb. 21, at 11:00 a.m., Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will join Main Street leaders and volunteers from proud communities across the Land of Lincoln to celebrate Illinois Main Street Day at the State Capitol. Quinn will commend communities on their recent accomplishments and efforts to revitalize their downtown districts.
State representatives and senators from many of Illinois' 69 Main Street communities are expected to attend the rally and activities throughout the day. Main Street communities will showcase their successes with various displays and exhibits throughout the Capitol from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"Main Street helps communities develop a welcoming downtown area that reflects the Illinois quality of life," Quinn said. "The Main Street Program is reaching far and wide across the Land of Lincoln to help motivated citizens create downtown spaces that are centers of commerce and sources of pride."
Quinn will honor one motivated Main Street organizer with the first-ever Civic Leadership Award, announcing the winner at the rally. The Civic Leadership Award is given to a Main Street volunteer who exemplifies the leadership skills and committed creativity necessary to inspire a community.
Lt. Governor Quinn's office continues to find creative ways to spur economic development in downtown areas through training workshops as well as grants to bring communities online. Combining tourist hotspots with wireless hotspots keeps Illinois downtowns quaint - yet convenient. This will be key as Illinois prepares to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln's Bicentennial in 2009 - the same year that the National Main Street Conference will be held in Chicago.
"In 2009 Illinois communities will have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to roll out the red carpet for the world," Quinn said. "As we celebrate the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, the Land of Lincoln must be ready to showcase its unique ties to his life and legacy."
Main Street grows every year and last year was no exception. With the addition of three new communities to the roster, Illinois Main Street is now the fourth largest Main Street program in the United States.
Illinois Main Street represents one of the state's most effective public-private partnerships for economic development and community renewal. Since its inception, designated communities have reported net gains of more than 1,600 new downtown businesses and created more than 6,000 new full and part-time jobs. The Main Street program has spurred the reinvestment of more than $575 million in Main Street downtowns.
Illinois is one of 40 states participating in the National Main Street program, administered through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Lt. Governor's Office administers the Illinois Main Street program, now the fourth largest in the nation, with architectural assistance from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
For more information about the Illinois Main Street program, please visit: www.IllinoisMainStreet.org. |