According to Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator Mary Helmer, the program is about public and private partnerships, and bringing jobs, dollars and people back to historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

“We need you to participate,” Helmer said to the crowd. “We need you to come out and support this program to make downtown all you want it to be.”

Helmer complimented the city’s “beautiful architecture” downtown and said the program is designed to enhance the existing qualities of the buildings and overall atmosphere.

“Promotion is about bringing people out and celebrating who you are as a community,” Helmer said. “Economic vitality is the glue that holds everything together.”

Board President Jim Davis, owner of Davis Drug Company in downtown Columbiana, echoed Helmer’s sentiments and encouraged people interested in helping with Main Street Alabama efforts to sign up.

“Columbiana’s most valuable asset is its citizens,” Davis said. “With Main Street Alabama’s guidance, we want to expand our businesses in the downtown area. We need volunteers that have a passion for Columbiana. We invite everyone to work side by side, neighbor with neighbor, to bring us back to the heart of this city, this historic downtown.”

Rep. Mike Hill became emotional as he reflected on convincing his wife, Carol, to marry him by promising her they could live and raise a family in Columbiana 45 years ago.

“She fell in love right here,” Hill said. “I am so proud and appreciate all those who have gone before us to make Columbiana what it is today. Thank you, Main Street Alabama, for choosing us for this new adventure.”

Sen. Jim McClendon called Columbiana a “special town with special people.”