Officials from the Main Street Iowa Program gave locals involved in downtown promotion efforts a thumbs up. Le Mars, according to Iowa Downtown Resource Center consultant Debi Flanders, has met the national Main Street certification criteria.

"It's their stamp of approval that we're on the right track," said Mary Reynolds, local Main Street director.

Flanders and Bob Rose, Main Street director in Spencer, conducted an annual Main Street visit to Le Mars and said they were impressed with what they saw. "From last year to this year, we saw a re-energized organization, a refocused organization," Flanders said. "The numbers of volunteers has expanded ten-fold. We're genuinely impressed by their determination."

She also commended the strong core group of volunteers. Rose said this was his sixth Main Street visit to Le Mars. "It's very exciting for us to observe the change in such a short time. It's gratifying to see what the community has done," he said. "It's on the verge of doing many more outstanding things to come."

Flanders and Rose spoke with Le Mars Main Street committees and mentors, Le Mars Chamber of Commerce staff and city officials during their visit last week.

The duo commended local Main Street staff and volunteers for having tangible goals and adding new promotional activities like the chalk art festival coming up in September along with keeping the existing events strong.

"The group is willing to experiment, to add to and change those existing events," Flanders said.

She challenged the group to take time to prioritize promotional events and activities to make sure group members don't spread themselves too thin.

Reynolds also pointed out that she's working with eight businesses on improving their facades.

Flanders commended Reynolds for the enthusiasm she brings to the Le Mars program and praised the community for offering public and private support for the Main Street program, both with finances and philosophy.

"The belief that this is important -- we did see that," Flanders said.