10 years of nationally certified downtown growth

TIFFIN — The revitalization of downtown has been a 10 year project. Heritage Ohio and Main Street America proudly recognize Downtown Tiffin as a Nationally Certified Main Street Community for 2024. Tiffin joined the Ohio Main Street Program in 2015 and has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to downtown revitalization and community development. Heritage Ohio visits participating programs at the end of each year for an on-site evaluation. Downtown Tiffin achieved measurable outcomes in downtown renewal and met the program's rigorous standards. The four-point system looks for success in: Building grassroots revitalization initiatives, cultivating strong public-private partnerships, expanding economic opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces and cultural assets. Downtown Tiffin Main Street Manager Donna Gross has seen the change in Tiffin since she left the area in the early 90s. She moved back to Tiffin to see her sons attend Heidelberg University and relocated her Barre Studio, Releve, to the Laird Building. Donna joined the Tiffin Seneca Economic Partnership in 2023. Gross believes what sets Tiffin apart is its hands-on approach to welcoming small businesses. New business owners are walked through every step of the process, from finding a location to registering their LLC to reaching out to the media. The help doesn't stop after the doors are open. "Tiffin has shown unwavering dedication to revitalizing our downtown and fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. This certification is a testament to the hard work of local businesses, volunteers and community leaders who continue to invest their time and passion into making Downtown Tiffin a thriving destination," said Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson in a release. Downtown Tiffin welcomed 16 new or relocated businesses in 2024. All business owners and community members are invited to participate on four committees. These committees plan events, like the Third Thursday block parties and encourage collaborative specials. Gross explained, "You don't see that in a big city or larger town, you get lost in the shuffle." "On behalf of the Seneca County Commissioners, we would like to congratulate Downtown Tiffin. This prestigious designation underscores the dedication and collaboration of the Downtown Tiffin Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to enhance the heart of Tiffin," said Commissioner Bill Frankart in a release. Heritage Ohio is Ohio's official historic preservation and Main Street organization. Dedicated to saving the places that matter and building stronger communities, Heritage Ohio supports economic development through the preservation of historic buildings, revitalization of downtowns, and promotion of cultural tourism. Since 1998, Heritage Ohio has served as the state coordinating agency for the National Main Street Program™, under contract with Main Street America. The heritage program has made a visible impact on Tiffin and Seneca County. Donna said, "People are moving back here, raising their small children here, or people are choosing to stay." There's still plenty of work to be done. One of the best ways to support Tiffin's economic growth is to shop and dine at locally owned businesses. Citizens interested in helping can email gross@tiffinseneca.org to join a committee or become a volunteer.