"We are extremely excited, because we are a part of the network, and we wanted to go up to the next level, but we just had no idea we'd be able to achieve it the first time we tried,” said Sandy Bynum, the executive director of the Elba Chamber of Commerce.
Main Street Alabama, which affiliated with the National Main Street Center, is a non-profit organization using a national model for its selection process. It's objective: revitalizing cities, while helping them organize, design and promote their local economies.
"It's about bringing jobs and opportunities back to Alabama's historic communities,” Bynum said.
She said achieving the designation was no easy task. A group of 15 people from the community traveled to Birmingham to take part in a competitive application process, and after months of preparation and a big presentation, they say all the effort was worth the reward.
"We know our downtown is our center stage. It's who we were, and who we are. and we want to make it the best it can be,” said Bynum. “Eight thousand cars travel Highway 84 daily through Elba, and we want to showcase our city in the best light possible.”
Elba joining the ranks of other designated Wiregrass cities, including Dothan and Eufaula. Communities from across the state are designated each year.
The city is planning a community-wide celebration on July 2 on the square, with lots of festivities to mark the occasion.
