WAYNESBORO – Mainstreet Waynesboro has been designated as an Affiliate Main Street America™ program for the sixth time in seven years.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Affiliate programs to recognize their commitment to create meaningful improvements to their downtowns using preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
This is the sixth straight year that Mainstreet Waynesboro has been recognized as an Affiliate Main Street America Program. In 2016, Mainstreet was recognized as an accredited program.
“Mainstreet Waynesboro is honored to again be named to this level of recognition,” said Bill Kohler, Mainstreet’s director of Economic Development.
“We really don’t do what we do for the spotlight. We do it because we are committed to our mission of revitalizing our historic downtown district. However, we know that being connected to the Main Street America organization and its high standards is quite an honor,” Kohler said.
Mainstreet Waynesboro is an independent nonprofit that has been working hard to preserve, promote and improve the commercial core of the community since 1996. It was incorporated in 1998.
“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s 383 Affiliate Main Street America programs and their commitment 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, driving essential local recovery efforts, supporting small businesses, and nurturing vibrant neighborhoods,” she said.
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.
Mainstreet’s performance is annually evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive, place-based revitalization efforts and achieving meaningful community outcomes.
Mainstreet Waynesboro organizes and runs numerous events in the downtown area to generate foot traffic and commerce to the downtown, including the Waynesboro Wizarding Weekend, Market Day, the Father’s Day Weekend Car & Truck Show, Chocolate Excursion, Boro Sip & Stroll, the Downtown Food Stroll and the fun-filled holiday activities.
Mainstreet also runs the popular Market at the Park farmers market at Main Street Park, and plans to renovate the neighboring building for a restaurant, welcome center and its offices.
The organization also hosts summer concerts, Food Truck Fridays and more, while supporting current businesses and actively recruiting new ones.
Mainstreet Waynesboro is run a by a board of volunteers, and two staff members, including Kohler, and Angela Smith, the administrative assistant and lead event planner.
“We love what we do and love working with the community to make great things happen,” said Kohler, who started at Mainstreet in July of 2016.
