Picayune Main Street has received 2015 National Main Street Accreditation.

“We’re evaluated annually and we’ve reached national accreditation every year since I’ve been manager,” Picayune Main Street Manager Reba Beebe said.

Every year, the National Main Street Center, established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, recognizes local programs committed to historical preservation in their communities. The center’s goal is to help revitalize historic commercial districts nationwide, according to a press release from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The historic downtown area of Picayune is the heart of the city and must be treated as such, Beebe said.

“Our focus at Main Street is our downtown area and we’ve got to put in our hearts to make it work,” Beebe said.

To qualify for accreditation, local main street programs need to be active in the community, attend workshops and fill monthly reports. Beebe said Picayune Main Street receives the honor year after year.

“Right now all our organizations are very active, including Relay for Life of Pearl River County, the Picayune Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club of Picayune to name a few,” Beebe said. “Many of their events have taken place in the downtown area.”

The collaboration between these active community organizations promotes a positive image for the city of Picayune, Beebe said.

Picayune Main Street focuses on preserving the city’s past, present and future by supporting the community and revitalizing businesses, government offices and restaurants located in downtown Picayune, Beebe said.

“Receiving National Main Street accreditation is a prestigious designation and we congratulate each of these programs in Mississippi for this achievement,” Bob Wilson, executive director for the Mississippi Main Street Association, said in the press release.

To learn more about Picayune Main Street visit their website at picayunemainstreet.com.