National Trust Announces 13 Graduate from Main Street Certification Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Virgil McDill (202) 588-6218
(202) 588-6141
National Trust Announces 13 Graduate from Main Street Certification Institute
Seattle, Washington (DATE, 2007) – The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized this year’s graduates from its Certification in Professional Main Street™ Management Institute, which is the highest certification level for practitioners of the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a historic preservation-based economic development methodology. Graduates were recognized for their exceptional aptitude in Main Street revitalization in front of 1,500 of their peers during the opening session of the National Main Streets Conference on March 26, 2007.

“The Certification Institute recognizes Main Street practitioners who have demonstrated a high level of understanding and application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach™,” says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. “This class’ ability to execute successful revitalization efforts has raised the bar for professionalism and ability in this field.” Graduates must pass entrance exams; attend two, week-long intense training within a two-year period; and pass four exams.

The following 2007 Certification Institute graduates who now have their Certified Main Street Manger (CMSM) credentials are:
Lisa Croteau, CMSM, Niles DDA Main Street, Niles, Michigan
Frieda Davis, CMSM, City of Decatur Main Street Program, Decatur, Texas
Jeanie Forrester, CMSM, Greater Meredith Program, Meredith, New Hampshire
Debra Fredericksen, CMSM, Elmhurst City Centre, Elmhurst, Illinois
Mary M. Helmer, CMSM, Kansas Department of Commerce, Topeka, Kansas
Heidi Henry, CMSM, Economic Development Consultant, Corvallis, Oregon
Mary Alice Hodgson, CMSM, East End Main Street, Charleston, West Virginia
Carolyn Honeycutt, CMSM, Story City Greater Chamber Connection, Story City, Iowa
Lisa Hooper, CMSM, City of Wyandotte DDA, Wyandotte, Michigan
Lisa Rockley, CMSM, Downtown Manhattan, Manhattan, Kansas
Carolyn Smith, CMSM, The City of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
Ruth Taylor, CMSM, Littleton Main Street, Littleton, New Hampshire
Joan Wessell, CMSM, Downtown Corvallis Association, Corvallis, Oregon

Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their traditional historic commercial districts. The Main Street Center leads the preservation-based community revitalization movement and has proven that historic preservation and community-driven economic development effects lasting change. Active in more than 2,050 downtowns and neighborhood business districts, the Main Street program has generated more than $41.6 billion in new investment. Participating communities have created 349,148 net new jobs, 77,799 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 186,820 buildings, leveraging an average of $25.76 in new investment for every dollar spent on Main Street initiatives.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America's communities. Recipient of the National Humanities Medal, the Trust was founded in 1949 and provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to protect the irreplaceable places that tell America’s story. Staff at the Washington, D.C., headquarters, six regional offices and 28 historic sites work with the Trust’s 270,000 members and thousands of preservation groups in all 50 states. For more information, visit the Trust’s website at www.nationaltrust.org.###