According to a statement released this evening, the accreditation means Main Street Roanoke Rapids met the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center, part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

In total, 794 Main Street communities from around the United States earned National Accreditation based on 2014 performance.

“We congratulate this year’s nationally accredited Main Street programs for their outstanding accomplishment in meeting the National Main Street Center’s 10 Standards of Performance,” said Patrice Frey, president and CEO of the National Main Street Center. “As the National Main Street Center celebrates its 35th Anniversary, it is also important to celebrate the achievements of the local Main Street programs across the country, some of whom have been around since the beginning. These local programs work hard every day to make their communities great places to work, live, play and visit while still preserving their historic character.”

Main Street Roanoke Rapids’ performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street Center, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 performance standards.

These standards, according to the statement, set the benchmarks for measuring an individual Main Street program’s application of the Main Street Four Point Approach to commercial district revitalization.

Of the 102 actively designated North Carolina Main Street Cities and Small Towns, only 35 North Carolina communities earned National Main Street Accreditation based on 2014 performance.

“These communities worked hard to meet the standards established by the National Main Street Center, and we are pleased to see them recognized for their achievement,” said John E. Skvarla III, North Carolina Commerce secretary. “Local Main Street programs across our state work every day to beautify our towns and bring businesses and jobs to their downtowns strengthening our overall economy.” Roanoke Rapids earned their North Carolina Main Street City designation in late 2009, which makes it the youngest city to earn national accreditation in the state.

“Main Street Roanoke Rapids has experienced growth over the last 12 months,” said Main Street President Carol Moseley in the statement.

For the fiscal year 2013-2014, the district saw close to $500,000 in new investments, a net gain of 29 jobs, and 1,800 volunteer hours.

“Thank you to the city of Roanoke Rapids for their partnership, Christina Caudle for her leadership and organization, and all of our board and committee members for their hard work and dedication to our program,” Moseley said. “Congratulations to all involved in our cause. National accreditation was made possible thanks to each and every one of you.”

In recognizing the program, council gave special recognition to Greg Lawson, who earned a North Carolina Main Street Champion award.

Lawson was one 33 recipients to receive the honor last month, said Caudle, Main Street development director. “In Roanoke Rapids, Greg Lawson has always been known as a local champion. He has served our community in many ways, including police chief and elected councilman.”

The Main Street Champion Award reflects Lawson's support of a formal partnership between the city and the Main Street program, Caudle said.

Since leaving council, Lawson was elected to the Main Street board of directors. “Since then, his major accomplishments include building a much-needed property and business database,” Caudle said. “Main Street Roanoke Rapids is eternally grateful for his dedication to uptown and downtown revitalization.”

Lawson told council, “I'm honored, but there are so many others that deserve this.”

Through his bicycling trips, Lawson said he has seen many Main Street communities throughout the state. “I've seen the impact. It takes a while.”

Lawson accepted the award but dedicated it to all who have worked with the Main Street program. “Our program has had its rises and falls. I think there is a future for it.”

In the portion of the meeting recognizing the accreditation, Moseley lauded Caudle and other volunteers. “This is really how it comes about, from hard work and dedicated leaders.We're just getting started.”