Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson honored and recognized nine Main Street Oakland County (MSOC) communities for their accreditation by the National Main Street Center ? the most ever in the MSOC program.
‘Main Street Oakland County continues to thrive as one of the model Main Street programs in the country,? Patterson said. ‘Main Street revitalizes and rejuvenates these downtowns. The success of the program speaks to our commitment to our businesses and our residents.?
Patterson presented representatives from Farmington, Ferndale, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Rochester and Walled Lake with a plaque honoring them for their accomplishment during a news conference and rally.
He also lauded the member downtowns for their economic performance in 2009 which brought $19 million of new investment, created 19 businesses, constructed 11 buildings, and renovated 237 others while creating more than 300 jobs.
‘These are astounding investment figures, considering the beating we’ve taken as a region and a state,? Patterson said. ‘I thank the communities for their hard work and commitment to our downtowns.?
Oakland County was the first county in the United States to operate a full fledged county-wide Main Street program for the 32 distinct, historic downtowns in Oakland County. The county program was formed in 2000.