According to the state Department of Commerce, Cherryville, Elizabethtown, Richlands, Saluda and Spencer were selected through a competitive application process for the program that started in 2003. Ten communities competed. Forty-four small towns now hold the designation.

 

 “We congratulate these communities for their commitment to their downtown districts and the small businesses that are located there,” said Keith Crisco, N.C. Secretary of Commerce, in a news release.  “These cities and towns understand that a prosperous, sustainable community is only as healthy as its core.”

 

The program provides downtown revitalization assistance to towns with populations under 7,500. Designees receive monthly help for two years of help from Commerce staff members. 

 

“These communities and their leaders work hard to bring jobs and businesses to their downtowns, which strengthens their entire community.  Our Small Town Main Street program provides communities with the tools and resources to accomplish their goals," said Liz Parham, who oversees the program.