The principles of the Main Street program are designed to create downtown districts that will not only survive, but will also thrive with new activity and flourishing, exceptional uses.  Main Street is economic development that is accomplished through igniting the downtown with high-quality design improvements, activating the district through authentic promotion and locally driven economic vitality, and empowering the people and the community to get involved with sustainable organization.  Collectively, these activities create a rich, distinctive sense of place that is the heart of the community.  

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Ignite, Activate, and Empower…Main Street, the theme of this year’s conference, is an exploration of the most innovative approaches that communities are taking to accomplish their goals.  From award-winning rehabilitation to memorable public art, downtowns are ignited with high-quality design improvements that energize both local residents and visitors who want to experience a genuine, creative environment.  Through storytelling, pop-up shops, and locally driven marketplaces, districts are activated with fresh new marketing initiatives, events, and businesses that encourage everyone to explore downtown.  And through dedicated leadership and partnerships, people are empowered to invest time and money in their communities that result in positive change. 

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North Carolina Main Street programs and their public and private sector partners are creatively leveraging strategic economic development planning, tools, and programs that result in investment, business growth, and job creation.  North Carolina Main Street communities have seen more than $4.5 billion in investment since the inception of the program in 1980, and more than $439.9 million in investment in fiscal year 2022-2023.  

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The North Carolina Main Street Conference is the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the country. Attendees include downtown economic development professionals, elected officials and local government staff, rural leaders, volunteers, business and property owners, consultants, vendors, and sponsors that are all interested in trends, initiatives, and success stories they can use to maximize downtown and community revitalization at home. 

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This milestone event will be held in downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina, as it proudly celebrates 40 years as an exemplary Main Street community.  In that time, Goldsboro has learned the importance of partnerships, preservation, strategic planning, incremental growth, and, most importantly, using the Main Street framework to encourage collaboration with the private sector to advance ideas and involvement.  The result? A vibrant, pedestrian-driven, art-centric community that is committed to ensuring the heart of Goldsboro is preserved and programmed for all.  

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Located in eastern North Carolina, Goldsboro is home to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.  With its wide sidewalks, walkable public spaces, a beautiful, historic train station, and an F-86 Sabre jet on display, downtown Goldsboro Is a community that is leveraging its assets for economic prosperity and development in the commercial core.  As a result, downtown Goldsboro has realized close to $80 million in public and private investment in the last decade, 187 building rehabilitations, 78 net new businesses, and 430 jobs, with more to come.  Today, downtown Goldsboro is thriving with an influx of diverse small businesses, an engaged community, exhibits of public art, festivals, weddings, and downtown living.  Goldsboro leaders are proud of the city’s history and the investments they are making in its future as a hub for arts, culture, and entrepreneurship, and they look forward to welcoming and sharing their story with you! 

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Thought-provoking keynote addresses and engaging breakout sessions with experienced presenters will inspire you with fresh ideas for downtown.  Bring a group of community leaders, Main Street board members, and volunteers to get the most out of the conference experience.  The North Carolina Main Street Conference offers the most successful implementation strategies for downtown revitalization and redevelopment available in the state, the southeast, and, perhaps, in the nation. 

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We will see you in Goldsboro in March!