Four Connecticut Main Street organizations have been accredited as 2011 National Main Street Programs for meeting organizational performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center and were recognized at the 2011 National Main Streets Conference in Iowa. They are: New London Main Street, Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Upper Albany Main Street (Hartford) and Main Street Waterbury.

National Main Street Program Accreditation is a partnership between Connecticut Main Street Center and the National Trust Main Street Center. Criteria determine the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as development and commitment to mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing a stable operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving and bringing back to life historic buildings. For details, visit www.mainstreet.org.

New London Main Street has a rich history and works to bind together preservation, enhancement and promotion of the Historic Waterfront District of New London and builds the community through activities and programs to grow its cultural fabric, preserve the historic streetscapes and support and expand the economic base of the city’s center and harbor. See how at www.newlondonmainstreet.org.

Simsbury Main Street Partnership is a “forward-thinking economic development within the context of historic preservation, so that Simsbury’s assets and legacy can be passed on to future generations.” The partnership works to integrate Simsbury center’s shopping, civic and entertainment activities into community heritage tourism opportunities. More at www.shopsimsbury.com.

Upper Albany Main Street (Hartford) is “an economic development engine in Hartford working to improve the environment for small businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and establish Albany Avenue as a vibrant Afro-Caribbean neighborhood destination of choice.” The organization to meet the socio-economic challenges of the neighborhood by addressing leadership development, and engaging residents in the entrepreneurial initiatives on the avenue. Information at www.upperalbany.com.

Main Street Waterbury works to bring downtown back to life through a culture of collaboration between the city, Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce, Waterbury Development Corporation, and Main Street Waterbury. Examples include special events, community forums, and “Waterbury at Night”; recruiting restaurants and creating a downtown environment which encourages and complements activity around the existing entertainment destinations. More at www.mainstreetwaterbury.com.