UBAM Main Street

Link: http://www.standingupforillinois.org/feature.php?id=146

This Wednesday, September 19, 2007, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and Alderman Frank Olivo (13th) will salute the United Business Association of Midway for its efforts to make the area surrounding Midway Airport a vibrant neighborhood community.

After more than a year of working with area businesses and local residents, UBAM will be officially inducted into the Illinois Main Street program � as its first-ever designated Chicago neighborhood. Quinn will unveil the Illinois Main Street community sign that will soon be placed at neighborhood entrances

�We salute the dedicated residents and business owners who have volunteered countless hours to reawaken economic interest in the UBAM neighborhood,� Quinn said. �United Business Association of Midway has proven that it is indeed a unique community to visit, shop, play and live.�

Residents and visitors alike are enjoying UBAM�s improved new secured streetscape enhancements, including decorative lighting, wrought iron garbage cans and cement flower containers. And the Illinois Main Street program will ensure that more positive changes are on the horizon.

 

�UBAM is just another example of how hard work, volunteerism and dedication can keep a strong community going,� Quinn said.

 

Quinn and Olivo will be joined at the designation ceremony by United Business Association of Midway Executive Director Anita Cummings.

 

The Lt. Governor�s Office administers the Illinois Main Street program that is based on a national model that offers communities help with issues such as downtown improvements, historic preservation and economic development. Illinois is one of 40 states that belong to the National Main Street Program, administered through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are now 67 communities in the Illinois Main Street program.

 

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.

 

For more information about the Illinois Main Street program, please visit: www.IllinoisMainStreet.org.