By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Lisa Croteau, Project Manager Niles Main Street has joined a select group – city downtown directors.
She was recently recognized as a graduate of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Certification in Professional Main Street Management Institute. She is one of only 231 Certified Main Street Managers nationally.
"It really is quite an honor. One cannot even apply to the Institute until being part of a Main Street community for more than two years. You are basically tested on how well you know your job," Croteau said.
Graduates must pass entrance exams, attend two, weeklong intensive training sessions with a two-year period and pass four exams.
"The Certification Institute recognized Main Street practitioners who have demonstrated a high level of understanding and application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach. This classes' ability to execute successful revitalization efforts has raised the bar for professionalism and ability in this field," said Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center.
Main Street's four-point approach is laid out on the www.mainstreet.org Website. These are comprised of organization, promotion, design and economic organization.
"This is the only program Main Street offers that requires an entrance exam. Once the candidate passes, then they attend training sessions on each of the four-points to the program. They must pass exams on each component following the training to graduate," Pam Briggs, assistant to the director, said.
According to the Website, the first component focuses on setting an organization plan to have all involved looking to the same goal. Promotion of a positive image is imperative. Design of the downtown area needs to capitalize on its best assets such as historic buildings, window displays and its streetscape.
All this comes together is create the most positive visual image for the community, while strengthening its economics assets and expanding and diversifying its economic base.
Croteau joined 13 other graduates in front of 1,500 of their peers during the opening session of the National Main Streets Conference held March 26 in Washington, D.C.