It’s official–Guthrie Center is a Main Street Iowa community.

The town was named one of the program’s newest members by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today during a special ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

The other towns selected for Main Street Iowa this year were Avoca and Newton.

In a statement released by the Governor’s office, the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Debi Durham says the three selected towns selected “demonstrated strong partnerships, a high level of volunteerism, and a commitment to the revitalization of their downtown districts.”

The statement continues by saying the IEDA is “confident the three cities will thrive and grow for many years to come.”

As a result of being designated a Main Street Iowa community, Guthrie Center will receive approximately 40 days of on-site training and technical assistance from the IEDA, National Main Street Center and private consultants in each of the first three years of the program.  The City will also receive 30 total days of training for volunteers and local staff, valuing the state’s investment at $120,000.

We’ll have more details and reaction from Guthrie Center community members involved with the town’s Main Street Iowa application and presentation in the days ahead.