News release from the River District Association
River District Association has been designated as an accredited Main Street program for meeting rigorous performance standards.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Danville, VA is one of 863 Nationally Accredited Main Street programs.
“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 another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
The River District Association’s performance is annually evaluated by Virginia Main Street which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
Over the past year, RDA has built upon its success in downtown economic development and programs and events that contribute to a needed sense of vibrancy and security while increasing physical interaction within the natural and built environment of downtown.
In 2021/2022 RDA had a significant impact on entrepreneur activity, well as business retention and design in the River District. RDA’s Dream Launch Pitch Competition awarded over $160,000 in start-up or expansion funds to businesses locating in the River District. More than $40,000 in façade grants were awarded to 10 businesses, and $45,000 in grants up to $5,000 were given to 10 existing businesses to expand or “boost” their business with the Get Boosted grant program.
RDA as additionally recognized by the National Main Street Center as one of 8 downtowns nationally to be a Great American Main Street Award Semifinalist.
“We are thrilled to once again receive the status of Accredited Main Street through both the state and national organization” said Diana Schwartz, Executive Director of the River District Association. “I am incredibly proud of all our board and staff has been able to accomplish, and grateful for our partnership with the City of Danville and funding though Danville Regional Foundation that supports our continued work and success in revitalizing Downtown Danville” said Schwartz.
To find out more about the River District Association, or if you have any questions, please visit www.riverdistrictassociation.com.
The River District Association was organized in 1999 as the Downtown Danville Association. In May 2015, the organization was renamed the River District Association to complement the City’s River District brand and is an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community.