Special to Iredell Free News
Downtown Statesville Development Corporation will host the 2023 North Carolina Main Street Conference on March 14-16, bringing approximately 750 community and economic development leaders together in downtown Statesville.
The three-day annual conference, which is organized by the N.C. Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, explores downtown revitalization and economic development strategies. The conference will take place at the Statesville Civic Center and various locations throughout Downtown Statesville, showcasing many of the establishments, programs, events and investments of Downtown stakeholders.
This year’s conference theme, “Trek on Down to Main Street,” will focus on creating strong and healthy downtown destinations that provide the daily needs and indulgences for its residents, businesses and tourists. Each Main Street program, along with its stakeholders and partners, are creating activities and physical enhancements to develop and grow its central business districts.
The N.C. Main Street Conference will also join the statewide celebration of the Year of the Trail, a travel and tourism initiative that promotes North Carolina’s outdoor recreation industry and its stunning natural assets. Main Street communities from across the state are creating pedestrian and bicycle-friendly downtown districts that connect businesses, neighborhoods, and city, county, and state trail systems to encourage residents and visitors to trek on down to Main Street.
The State of North Carolina has been working in partnership with local communities to revitalize downtowns through the implementation of the National Main Street Center’s Main Street America program since 1980. As one of the first states to join the Main Street program, North Carolina now has one of the largest and most active programs in the entire country and convenes the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the nation. In its 42-year history, the N.C. Main Street communities have experienced more than $4.5 billion in public and private investment in their downtown districts, created more than 30,000 net new jobs, and rehabilitated 7,200 buildings.
Established in 1982, the Statesville Main Street program and its partners have created a vibrant downtown district that has garnered more than $123 million in public and private investment. This investment supports a hub of diverse cultural amenities, entertainment, governmental, and educational experiences from public art, restaurants, retail, and breweries, as well as historic architecture and beautiful streetscapes. Built over two centuries ago on the business of whiskey and medicinal roots and herbs, this downtown is the center of community life for Statesville and Iredell County and exemplifies the characteristics of a livable and walkable neighborhood. The community is dedicated to creating a strong culture of fun and charm; guaranteed to be experienced outdoors on its sidewalks and in its welcoming seating areas, inside its restaurants and breweries, and within its unique shops and boutiques.
Keynote speakers and session presenters for the conference will inspire economic development professionals, elected officials and local government leaders, community champions and volunteers, business and property owners, and other conference attendees with trends, initiatives, and success stories for their own downtown and community revitalization.
About Downtown Statesville Development Corporation
Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization charged with administering the Main Street program for Statesville and whose mission is to champion, promote and lead Downtown Statesville as the economic, social and cultural engine in the region. This is achieved in collaboration with public-private partners working together to enhance the appearance, desirability, and vitality of downtown. Visit www.downtownstatesville.com for details.