
The Deming Luna County Mainstreet director Chelsea Evans was given the certification award. Also given the award were Kat Evans from Carlsbad and Valeria Osborn of Nob Hill.
Deming Luna County MainStreet Executive Director Chelsea Evans said. “Thank you so much for the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the different elements that make up MainStreet. “ She said, I’m excited to have this certification under my belt, and to begin implementing learned practices in my community,”
Training courses are led by MainStreet’s Revitalization Specialists, experts in their professional field, and include topics such as nonprofit management, volunteer & small business development, the creative economy, property redevelopment, historic preservation, building improvements, urban planning, placemaking, event management, branding, media relations and communications.
“Throughout the certification process, these Directors showed dedication to improving their downtown MainStreet district, which is the heart and economic center of the community. I congratulate them on their achievement and commitment to revitalizing New Mexico’s downtowns,” Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said.
“New Mexico MainStreet districts have a significant impact on community revitalization & economic development efforts that improve the quality of life for everyone. By achieving certification, these Directors are empowered to continue their challenging and rewarding work of supporting their local economy and helping their district thrive,” NMMS Director Daniel Gutierrez said.
The benefits of achieving certification include recognition of their professional development, building transferrable skills for their career, and educational scholarship opportunities, when available.
“Achieving the Certified Executive Director designation is among the hallmarks of local staff readiness to lead the district’s revitalization efforts. It marks the completion of a comprehensive training and skills development process that provides Executive Directors with the knowledge and skills to implement the Main Street Four Point Approach™ and enhances their ability to lead a community’s revitalization goals and strategies. Their work is so important in helping New Mexico recover from the impacts of the pandemic on small businesses, particularly in rural communities. Completing the certification program solidifies their roles as Economic Developers; we congratulate the 2022 cohort of Certified MainStreet Directors,” NMMS Revitalization Specialist Eduardo Martinez said.