Press Release - Tuesday, September 23, 2003
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LT. GOV. QUINN COMMENDS COMMUNITY OF MARSHALL FOR BECOMING "MAIN STREET" SUCCESS STORY Quinn Pledges His Continuing Support For The Thriving Historic Preservation Program
MARSHALL, IL. - Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn visited Marshall today to pledge his support for the Illinois Main Street Program and praise the community of Marshall for their recent initiatives to renovate and revitalize their downtown business district.
"Marshall has made an outstanding effort to revitalize their town's valued attributes, and in doing so has made exceptional improvements their community should be proud to be a part of," Quinn stated after his visit to the Main Street community.
Quinn was joined at the press conference by Marshall Mayor John Trefz, Main Street Coordinator Tiffany Macke, City Council members and City Board members on the site of the Marshall City Band Stand. The press conference was followed by a welcome reception with residents and a tour of historic downtown destinations.
The Lt. Governor's Office administers the Illinois Main Street Program which is based on a national model that offers communities help with downtown improvements, historic preservation and economic development. Although the nationally acclaimed program that promotes volunteerism feel victim to arbitrary budget cuts last year, Quinn has vowed to revitalize the program.
"Main Street is ideal for a community such as Marshall," Quinn said, noting Marshall's rich history. "Main Street helps communities appreciate the treasures in their midst, and fosters a spirit of volunteerism, a sense of place and a new civic pride."
The residents of Marshall Have seen remarkable improvements to their historic downtown area thanks to the completion of Phase One of a streetscape project made possible through Main Street grant funding. The streetscape now showcases renovated building facades, new sidewalks, brick enhancements and fresh curbs on portions of Route 1, also known as the Illinois Korean War Veterans' Memorial Highway; and parts of Archer Avenue, also known as the National Road.
Marshall was recognized for their great efforts and achievements during the 2003 Main Street Statewide Conference held in Elgin, IL. The community received Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization in the areas of Main Street Website, Creative Fundraising Campaign, Façade Renovation, under $5,000, and Existing Event Partnership.
Quinn called Main Street an "innovative partnership" and has assigned several staff to be involved with Illinois Main Street. His trip to Marshall was just one of many visits planned to main Street communities. Quinn said he hopes to visit all 57 Illinois Main Street communities during the next 12 months.
The Main Street Program is one of long-time consumer advocate Lt. Governor Pat Quinn's key initiatives to join together the people of Illinois with the common goal of portraying this state's celebrated assets.
The National Main Street Program is designed to improve all aspects of the downtown or central business district. Improving economic management, strengthening public participation, and making downtown an enjoyable place to visit are as critical to Main Street's future as recruiting new businesses, rehabilitating buildings, and expanding parking.
Illinois is one of 40 states that belong to the national Main Street program, administered through the National Trust for historic Preservation.
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