Communities Selected for Montana Main Street Affiliate Program

The Montana Department of Commerce has selected four
communities to participate in a new opportunity for downtown
revitalization called Montana Main Street Affiliate Program.

The
communities of Columbus, Sheridan, West Yellowstone and White Sulphur
Springs will be the initial participants in the pilot program
specifically designed to assist small, rural communities exploring
downtown revitalization.

"Downtown revitalization is an important part of preserving the history
and character of Montana’s small communities," said Governor Brain
Schweitzer. "Main Street is the heart of rural communities. It’s a place
for conversations and commerce, and the Main Street Affiliate Program
will generate both."

"This Main Street Affiliate Program is formatted after our highly
successful Main Street Program and we’re very excited about assisting
rural communities in downtown revitalization and significant economic
development," said Department of Commerce Director Anthony Preite.

The intent of the Affiliate Program is to make downtown development
training and education available to a larger number of Montana
communities. Communities with a population of 2,000 or less are targeted
for the program. An affiliate community, no matter its size, is still
eligible to apply as a fully designated Montana Main Street community.

The Affiliate Programs will receive Main Street 101 Training, a
registration scholarship to the Annual National Main Streets Conference,
a Main Street Library, consultation with and visits from the Montana
Main Street staff, and an annual progress assessment on the anniversary
of Affiliate selection.

The Affiliate Programs will, for their part, commit to improving their
downtown commercial area, follow the Main Street Approach to downtown
revitalization, actively participate in Montana Main Street activities,
become a member of the National Main Street Network, and report key
economic development statistics.

Columbus, Sheridan, West Yellowstone and White Sulphur Springs join the
designated Main Street Programs in Butte, Stevensville, Libby, Anaconda,
Polson, Red Lodge and Livingston.

In 2006, the designated programs saw a combined community investment
valued at $5.5 million. The communities utilized over 5,500 volunteer
hours and experienced a net gain of 45 new businesses and 115 new jobs.

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CONTACT: Mel Walters

Montana Main Street Coordinator

406-841-2756

Marissa Kozel

Montana Department of Commerce

406-841-2772