HomeMy Public PortalAboutCOTI_PR20110901_TybeeBetterHomeTown.docPRESS RELEASE: CONTACT: Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Coordinator
For immediate release (912) 786-4573, ext. 123
City of Tybee Island’s Better Hometown Program Receives 2011 National Trust Main Street Accreditation
Tybee Island, GA (September 1, 2011) – Tybee Island Better Hometown has been designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization
performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center®. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street® programs that have
built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four-Point Approach® methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting
their historic buildings.
“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards,” says Doug Loescher, Director of the National Trust Main Street
Center. “Accredited Main Street programs are meeting the challenges of the recession head on and are successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep their
communities vibrant and sustainable.”
The organization’s performance is annually evaluated by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which works in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center to identify
the local programs that meet ten performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four-Point
Approach® to commercial district revitalization. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards
such as developing a mission, fostering strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving historic buildings. For more information
on the national program accreditation program, visit http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street/the-programs/national-programs.html.
The City of Tybee Island became a designated Better Hometown Community under the Georgia Main Street Program in June 2010. City Officials sought the designation in order to initiate
the revitalization of Tybee’s main corridor and create a more favorable climate to live in and to operate a business. The program is managed by Chantel Morton, Better Hometown Program
Coordinator, with direction from nine Directors of the Board appointed by City Council and by volunteer committees that work within the “four-point approach” focused on economic development
and in the context of historic preservation to meet local needs and opportunities within the island’s main business corridor. The Board and committees are made up of volunteers from
local businesses, organizations and residents to improve the quality of life for those that live, work and visit Tybee Island through a healthy business corridor and enhancing the cultural
experience while preserving the community's barrier island heritage.
“Tybee has shown a major commitment to its business community by investing in our commercial corridors so that they are safe and attractive places to do business,” notes Tybee Island’s
Mayor Jason Buelterman. “This exciting news further illustrates the City's partnership with our businesses and the role that our Better Hometown Program can play in preserving and enhancing
our commercial corridors.”
During the start-up process and since acknowledgement as a Better Hometown, successes of the program have included, but are not limited to, Third Thursdays on Tybee, Tybee for the Holidays,
the Information Providers volunteer program, the implementation of the Savannah-Tybee Beach Shuttle, and the Keep Tybee Tidy campaign.
About Tybee Island, GA.: The City of Tybee Island, Georgia is on the outermost barrier island off the Savannah area coast. With a wild bird sanctuary, over three miles of ocean beaches,
salt marshes on the back river, and eight miles of bike routes, outdoor recreation activities abound for visitors to this Bicycle Friendly Community. As a key defense point to the
important Savannah port, Tybee’s Fort Screven, Tybee Fort Theater, Fort Pulaski, and the Tybee Island and Cockspur Lighthouses combine with the unique architectures of the island’s
raised cottages to form a rich backdrop for history buffs. Attracting a strong artistic community, there are several local supporting art galleries. Keeping the island interesting year
round are several arts festivals, the Annual Pirate Fest, the Beach Bum Parade, St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Hot Rod Run, the Beach Bash, and the Christmas Parade, as well as
fireworks displays on Independence and New Year’s Days off the Walter W. Parker Pier and Pavilion. The Marine Science Center cooperates with Georgia’s DNR to protect threatened sea
turtle species by searching for nests, protecting their eggs, and making sure hatchlings make it to sea. For visitor information, stop by http://www.tybeevisit.com/, and to find more
about the City of Tybee Island, visit our web site at http://www.cityoftybee.org/.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.preservationnation.org) is a nonprofit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that
matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps
revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., eight regional and field offices,
29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy
and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s
stories. Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center® helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than
2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 30 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $48.9 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities
have created 417,919 net new jobs and 94,176 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 214,263 buildings, leveraging an average of $16 in new investment for every dollar spent
on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.
About Tybee Island’s Better Hometown Program: Tybee’s Better Hometown Program follows a comprehensive revitalization process that improves all aspects of a commercial district. Better
Hometown is a self-help approach to economic development for downtown areas designed to grow business and improve a community’s quality of life. With broad-based community support,
it integrates a practical management strategy with the physical improvements of buildings and public spaces, promotion and image building, and economic development in the area. For
more information, visit http://www.cityoftybee.org/BetterHometownProgram.aspx.
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