The 1985 selection of Bedford as one of the State's first Main Street Cities was indeed an honor as well as a boon for Bedford. The newly established State Main Street Program was based on a downtown revitalization concept developed by the National Main Street Center, an affiliate of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Bedford Main Street, Inc., is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization empowered as a public-private partnership to help Centertown Bedford promote a positive image, revitalize its economic base and preserve its historic character. Bedford Main Street aids, encourages and supports Centertown's economic viability through the Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. The program requires building consensus and cooperation between merchants, property owners, bankers, government officials, local associations and individual citizens. It includes marketing a positive public image through graphics, public relations, special events and retail promotions. The plan calls for enhancing the physical attractiveness of downtown; and finally, strengthening the economic base by working with existing merchants and recruiting complementary retailers and services.

Bedford Main Street, Inc. (BMS) has provided the impetus for the revitalized central business district we enjoy today.

Bedford Main Street organizes or co-sponsors a variety of public celebrations and events each year. These include street festivals, parades, retail sales, public concerts and Memorial Day Ceremonies. (See sidebar) Bedford Main Street also manages and schedules events at the Bedford Farmer's Market/Community Stage.

Bedford Main Street, Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors and is funded by contributions from merchants, corporations and businesses, property owners and individuals, as well as, the City of Bedford. Additional operating monies are raised through special events and fundraisers.
     Scott Smith, Executive Director