Main St. Vermilion earns honor

VERMILION — Main Street Vermilion recently received a national accreditation due to its constant efforts of growing, bettering, promoting and making Vermilion a destination for all. The accreditation, coordinated by Heritage Ohio and Main Street America, "reflects the measurable impact happening right here in our community," according to a local Main Street statement. "As we celebrate our 25th year as an organization, this honor belongs to our board, volunteers, business owners, partners and the entire Vermilion community," the statement read. "Small town. Great lake. Great pride." The reasons why Through a statement from Heritage Ohio and the Ohio Main Street Program, here's the reason why Main Street Vermilion earned this honor: • Main Street Vermilion "became a member of the Ohio Main Street Program in 2004." • "During a full-day evaluation visit, Main Street Vermilion demonstrated clear evidence of a strong, effective program focused on achieving measurable outcomes in downtown revitalization." • "To qualify for accreditation status, the program must meet rigorous national standards that include building grassroots-driven revitalization efforts, fostering strong public–private partnerships, supporting economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs and actively preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets." • "This prestigious designation reflects the dedication, vision and hard work of Main Street Vermilion's board, staff and volunteers." • "Heritage Ohio helps people to save the places that matter, build community and live better." • "As Ohio's official historic preservation and Main Street organization, Heritage Ohio fosters economic development and sustainability through preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts and promotion of cultural tourism." • "Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has contracted with the National Main Street Center as Ohio's state coordinating agency for the Main Street Program."