Leiper's Fork Earns Main Street Certification

Community Applauded for Downtown Revitalization Efforts

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that Leiper’s Fork, located in Williamson County, has achieved Tennessee Main Street certification. The community joins 23 other Tennessee Main Street communities that are certified through the state program and accredited by the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“The Tennessee Main Street program helps communities across the state become even better places to live and work,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, ECD, said. “I applaud Leiper’s Fork on recognizing the importance of downtown revitalization and the new opportunities and jobs it can bring as a result.”

The Tennessee Main Street Program provides communities with technical assistance and guidance in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development. The program provides information and assistance in forging public networking and training opportunities for downtown commercial districts. Tennessee Main Street Program is the state’s coordinating partner for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center.

Leiper’s Fork designation is based upon a successful application submitted by the Downtown Leiper’s Fork Association and the local business community, leaders and residents. The Tennessee Main Street Program application requires communities to illustrate a strong commitment to a Main Street Program from city/county government, an adequate organizational budget, a commitment to hire staff, a non-profit host, a strong historic preservation ethic, a collection of historic buildings and a basic need for downtown and community revitalization.

“A healthy downtown truly is the lifeblood of a community,” Kimberly Nyberg, director, ECD Tennessee Main Street, said. “The Tennessee Main Street Program works closely with communities like Leiper’s Fork to promote the traditional business district’s role in the local economy.”

Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that also focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of the district. For information about the Main Street Program and the Main Street Four Point Approachtm, visit http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street/.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tn.gov/ecd.

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Media Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov