For Immediate Release – June 22, 2022
(Ocean Springs, MS) – Last week, the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated the achievements of Mississippi Main Street Communities with an Annual Awards presentation where Ocean Springs Main Street garnered an award for one of their community events.
The Outstanding New Event award was given to the Ocean Springs Chamber-Main Street for its adaption and creation of the Ocean Springs Food Crawl. The event was designed to encourage diners to explore what Ocean Springs has to offer by way of food and drink. Targeted to residents and tourists, this event was hosted in walkable downtown. It was created to keep the vibe of the Taste of Ocean Springs Food & Wine Festival alive but in a new way.
In 2021, Mississippi Main Street’s Designated Communities generated 193 net new businesses, 49 business expansions to existing businesses, 603 net new jobs, 58 building rehabilitations, and 241 downtown residential units. In addition, 95 public improvement projects were completed as well as 14 new construction projects in downtown business districts. More than $186 million was invested by the public and private sectors in 2021, and more than 28,452 volunteer hours were recorded.
Every dollar spent in this organization results in $80 of private investment, the highest return on investment of any economic activity in the state. Since 1993, MMSA has generated more than $5.9 billion in private and public investment (including more than $1.6 billion in public investment).
The Ocean Springs Main Street program is one of the 48 Designated Main Street programs and is part of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau organization. Ocean Springs Chamber has been operating since 1947 and as a Main Street organization since 1988.
For more information, please contact the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau at 228-875-4424.
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