DILLON, SC (May 18, 2026) — Main Street Dillon, SC has been designated as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program in recognition of its commitment to downtown revitalization and preservation-based economic development using the Main Street Approach™.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners recognize communities across the nation for their efforts to strengthen downtown districts through preservation, strategic planning, and community investment. Main Street Dillon is one of 453 nationally recognized Affiliate programs and part of a network of more than 1,600 communities working to create vibrant downtowns and stronger local economies.
“We are proud to recognize Main Street Dillon, SC as a 2026 Affiliate Main Street America program for its unwavering commitment to grassroots transformation and the extraordinary abilities of its staff, advisory committee, and volunteers to respond to the needs of their community,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “Main Street Dillon demonstrates a dedication to investing in the people and places that make its downtown district special and contribute to the collective power of the Main Street movement.”
The Main Street approach is a proven, community-driven model for Downtown Revitalization that helps municipalities strengthen the heart of their community. Rather than focusing on one project or quick fix, Main Street works by bringing people together to support local businesses, improve appearance, preserve historic character, strengthen community identity, and encourage investment over time. It works especially well in small communities because it builds on local strengths, reflects community priorities, and creates steady, long-term momentum for change.
While Main Street Dillon has participated in the Main Street network previously, it has more recently begun efforts to actively implement the Main Street Approach®, focusing on downtown revitalization, organizational development, strategic planning, and partnership-building. In 2025, Dillon hosted a quarterly training session for the Main Street South Carolina network and participated in the Main Street America Community Transformation Workshop. Main Street Dillon is currently establishing an advisory committee to help guide future downtown revitalization efforts and continued advancement within both Main Street South Carolina and Main Street America.
“Since renewed efforts began in 2024, we have been building toward this milestone. Becoming a Main Street America Affiliate is an important step for Downtown Dillon,” said Jennifer Foster, Director of Main Street Dillon. “This recognition reflects the progress we’ve made in building partnerships, strengthening our organizational structure, and creating a clear path forward for revitalization and future growth.”
Operating through the City of Dillon Downtown Development Office, Main Street Dillon is a municipality-based program working to strengthen the heart of Dillon through preservation-based economic development, strategic partnerships, and community-driven investment. It works to enhance the public realm and promotes long-term economic vitality while celebrating the character and heritage of Downtown Dillon. Main Street Dillon is also a Friends-level member of Main Street South Carolina.
For more information, contact the City of Dillon Downtown Development Office at 843-621-9998 or visit Main Street Dillon SC on Facebook.
