Main Street
Corning-A Class Act
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Main Street Corning is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
The Main Street program is a volunteer driven program whose mission is to promote our community and businesses through innovative actions, events, and positive experiences to create a thriving Main Street District.
Main Street Corning Vision Statement
Corning will be known for having a downtown with a can do, will do and has done attitude, which is reflected in our motto “Corning-A Class Act”. The merchants and volunteers are and will continue to be dedicated to keeping the downtown resilient and vibrant.
Retail and Industrial recruitment and retention will be the cornerstone of downtown Corning. A strong public-private partnership will be the catalyst for sustainable economic growth in the central business district. The community will maintain a role as a regional center for government, education and health services, therefore will continue to attract an increasing market share to the downtown, resulting in survival and prosperity for community residents and merchants.
Recreation, historical sites and our cultural events will attract a high level of tourism to Corning and Adams County. Local residents and tourists will find downtown Corning to be a friendly meeting place with unique shopping opportunities.
Energized by this vision, downtown leadership and volunteerism will be at an all-time high. Main Street Corning will support and celebrate new and established businesses to generate economic viability while growing and preserving the city’s arts and cultural heritage, main street upper story housing and tourism making our main street a destination of choice for visitors and residents.
Downtown Corning will be a place worth visiting, in a town worth living in!
Main Street Corning is one of 54 Iowa Main Street communities served by the Main Street Iowa program. Main Street follows a four-point approach. Volunteer for one of our committees: Design, Events and Marketing, Economic Vitality, or Public Relations.
You can learn more about Main Street Iowa and the National Main Street Center. The Main Street Four-Point Approach to downtown revitalization is through comprehensive, incremental, and carefully coordinated work.
Design Committee
The Design Committee focuses on the physical appearance of a business district and how it sets it apart from any other community.
Economic Vitality Committee
The Economic Vitality committee works with both new and existing businesses within the Main Street District to assist with expansion of existing business or recruitment of new businesses to the community.
Promotions Committee
The Promotions committee creates engaging experiences that help people, of all ages, embrace the assets available in the downtown area.
Public Relations Committee
This volunteer committee organizes public and private sectors of the community to unite for the common goal of a better downtown
Commercial Historic District
Main Street Corning’s downtown commercial district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2012 the National Register recognizes 60 contributing buildings constructed in the late Victorian (late 19th and early 20th century) style within the district.
Opportunities for Youth Entrepreneurs
Are you a young entrepreneur who is looking to expand your business, test your market, and make new sales? If the answer is yes, Main Street Corning and the Adams Community Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from you.
Please fill out this form and we will send you more information on upcoming opportunities.
