Main Street Mount Joy is working hard to preserve community character and boost the economy, and the organization's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Main Street Mount Joy was recently recognized with National Accreditation status, the top tier of recognition by Main Street America. It was one of two downtown organizations in Lancaster County to earn the accolade. Venture Lititz was also given the honor.

Main Street Mount Joy earned the award for a variety of reasons, said Dave Schell, executive director, who added that Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) is the state agency that recommends which Main Street programs receive accreditation. "They look at our reinvestment statistics, our activity and things we are doing as an organization," he explained. Criteria for earning the recognition includes everything from having a mission statement and strategic plan to demonstrating a proven track record for economic growth and community engagement.

"Main Street Mount Joy has maintained a constant level of programmatic attention to their commercial district revitalization effort throughout the last 10 to 15 years," said Julie Fitzpatrick, executive director of PDC. "By following the Main Street Approach to community revitalization, they have been able to respond to the changing demographics and market opportunities to remain a relevant downtown in Lancaster County and the commonwealth." She noted that Main Street Mount Joy has helped the downtown area thrive in an especially challenging time. "Within the last year and a half, we have seen that the majority of downtown districts that have a Main Street manager were able to hold steady or even recruit new businesses, helping to create new jobs and filling vacant storefronts, all while increasing the local tax base and demonstrating economic growth," she stated.

Schell said the recognition underscores all the great things happening in Mount Joy. "Mount Joy's downtown is a fun mix of different types of businesses," he remarked. "We have retail, restaurants, services and organizations through the downtown area. Our businesses are unique and most are family-owned and operated. When you walk into a business, there is a high probability you are talking to an owner or a family member of the owner."

Mount Joy holds Fourth Friday activities monthly as well as other events such as the Festival of the Arts, Chocolate Walk, and Winterfest. A car show will be held on Saturday, July 24, and Main Street Mount Joy is planning a fundraiser during the event.

Schell encourages everyone to come and support Mount Joy and see what the town is doing that earned it this award. "Our town is safe, clean and has plenty of parking along Main Street and off-street," he noted. "We are walkable, and the residents are friendly."

For more information on Main Street Mount Joy, visit https://mainstreetmountjoy.com.