South Huntsville Main Business Association Receives 2022 Main Street America Accreditation

HUNTSVILLE, AL – South Huntsville Main Business Association 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 extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America  programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns  and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America.

“During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to  respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative  solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant  downtown districts.” 

In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities. 

The South Huntsville Main Business Associations’ performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Alabama, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets. 

Over the past year, the South Huntsville Main Business Association has continued to provide their member businesses with support to be successful. Many events like The Cookie Crunch, Progressive Dinners and Business Builder’s Breakfasts encourage business growth. Shopping guides for the Holiday Season, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day helped guide customers to member businesses. The SHMBA is also proud to support Rosie’s Spring Festival, The BBQ and Bluegrass Festival and the upcoming Krampus 5K. 

All of these happenings bring business to the district and increase commerce to our area. 

“South Huntsville is becoming the ideal location to create new events and be home to the center of  activity for a growing city,” said Katie Patterson, Executive Director of South Huntsville Main Business Association. “We are honored to be accredited again this year and value the resources that Main Street  Alabama provides to our community for continued growth and economic vitality.”