For the fifth consecutive year, Rio Grande City Main Street Program has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™.
“Our Main Street pivoted operations to navigate and thrive despite the everchanging challenges brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic,” said Mayor Joel Villarreal. “This achievement is a testament to the resiliency of our downtown business community.”
As downtown small businesses coped with COVID-19, Rio Grande City Main Street worked in tandem with several City and Rio Grande City EDC COVID-19 safety initiatives and campaigns, this included the Rio Grande City Top Rated COVID-19 Best Business Practices – a campaign encouraging businesses to go beyond the minimum state COVID-19 safety and health standards.
Digital and virtual activities comprised of the Grab-n-Go Rio Grande City program, which promoted and listed restaurants offering take out or delivery and the Rio Grande City Eat, Shop, Play Local campaign, a Facebook group where businesses could reach their current and potential customers by sharing specials, sales, messaging, hours and COVID-19 precautions. This page is listed on Main Street America’s online resource center which highlights the approaches Main Street America programs are taking in response to the pandemic and the recovery process.
Another pandemic support project was the PPE Safety Kit distribution. Businesses had a chance to receive a free safety kit to further help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each kit contained disposable gloves, disposable face masks, liquid hand sanitizer, health and safety protocol information, floor decals and posters.
“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s Accredited and Affiliate programs and their dedication to advancing economic opportunity and quality of life in their downtowns,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs have demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to champion small businesses, drive recovery efforts, and lift up their communities. I am inspired by their efforts and know that these Main Street programs will continue to help their districts flourish in the next stages of recovery.”
Statewide, countywide, and citywide Coordinating Programs evaluate, select, and recommend qualifying communities to Main Street America on an annual basis. Communities must meet ten rigorous standards to qualify for Accreditation status. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program is managed by the Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation and provides several services and assistance available to Main Street businesses including: Design Assistance from the Texas Historical Commission and much more. Rio Grande City Main Street also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program provides many opportunities to get involved in downtown revitalization efforts. For more information, contact Rio Grande City Main Street at (956) 487-3476.
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