OLD TOWN CAPE RECEIVES 2009 NATIONAL MAIN STREET™ PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

Cape Girardeau -- Old Town Cape has Accreditation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center during the Annual Main Street Conference in Chicago in March. Old Town Cape joins other Main Street™ revitalization programs across the country being recognized, including only 3 other Missouri programs. This is the 5th year Old Town Cape has received its National Accreditation.

Achieving high standards of program service and utilizing the Main Street Four-Point Approach™ to downtown revitalization, Old Town Cape was accredited through a rigorous, on-site review process. "Accreditation by the National Main Street Center honors local programs that are fully operational. It is an achievement which must be sought each year, and something to which all programs can aspire," said Doug Loescher, Director of the National Main Street Program.

"Everyone who contributed to this accreditation achievement can be proud of the recognition," said Marla Mills, Executive Director of Old Town Cape. "This includes the organization's officers, directors, volunteers, committees, staff, and financial supporters."

Accreditation visits and assessments were provided by the Missouri Main Street coordinating program (MMSC), a partner with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Accredited organizations are able to maintain their status longer and are more successful over time than underachieving programs

Lee Schlitt, President of Old Town Cape stated "The Board of Directors of Old Town Cape is very proud to receive this accreditation. We feel it is a reflection of the community's support of the program and recognition of the work that has been done by many volunteers as well as the solid management, direction and vision of our Board and committees."

Old Town Cape works to build a downtown community that cherishes its past and is an economically viable district in which the citizens of Cape Girardeau can live, work and play.