Main Street Laurens commits to organizational improvements after loss of accreditation

Following Main Street South Carolina’s accreditation review process, Main Street Laurens will now be classified at the “Friends” level within the state Main Street network for the remainder of 2026 and through 2027. While Laurens’ program is no longer recognized as an Accredited Main Street program, it remains part of the Main Street South Carolina network and will continue receiving guidance and resources as it works toward future reaccreditation. 

Main Street Laurens is an independent non-profit organization which was founded in 1996 to work in conjunction with the City of Laurens to promote historic preservation and encourage downtown revitalization. It is part of a larger network of similar non-profit organizations across the state. This network of statewide revitalization programs, some which operate as part of city governments and some which operate independently as non-profits, is supported and organized by Main Street South Carolina, which is part of the Municipal Association of South Carolina. 

Main Street Laurens’ new status will allow the organization to receive needed guidance to strengthen its governance, operations, and create plans for long-term sustainability. This change reflects the need to implement reforms identified as part of Main Street South Carolina’s review along with internal discussions of Main Street Laurens’ board. 

Main Street South Carolina’s extensive review of the organization’s governance and practices identified several areas where Main Street Laurens can improve. In order to build a more sustainable future, Main Street Laurens will make strategic improvements to its governance, strategic planning, board development, and organizational practices. 

The Main Street Laurens Board of Directors recognizes Main Street South Carolina’s recommendations and has already begun implementing improvements. The organization has experienced several leadership changes over the past three years, and the current Board and leadership recognize the importance of establishing long-term stability as they work toward reaccreditation, potentially as soon as 2028. 

Throughout this internal review and rebuilding process, Main Street Laurens will remain committed to supporting the businesses, property owners, volunteers, and stakeholders who make downtown Laurens a vibrant destination. 

At a recent meeting between the Main Street Laurens Board of Directors and City of Laurens leadership, representatives of both organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to the continued success of downtown Laurens and to working together throughout this process. 

Brad Abercrombie, Executive Director of Main Street Laurens, said, “For more than 30 years, Main Street Laurens has worked alongside our businesses, property owners, volunteers, and community partners to help shape a vibrant downtown. We recognize the recommendations made by Main Street South Carolina and are evaluating our next steps to strengthen our organization. We will work to understand our challenges and address them head on. This is an opportunity to build on the work of the past, strengthen our foundation, and continue serving the businesses, property owners, and community that believe in downtown Laurens. We appreciate the continued partnership of the City of Laurens as we move forward together.” 

Mayor Nathan Senn said, “Downtown Laurens has seen tremendous progress because of strong partnerships and people who care deeply about this community. That will not change. Main Street Laurens has played an important role in our community’s success over the past 30 years, and the City remains committed to working alongside the organization as it moves through this next chapter. Together, we will continue supporting downtown businesses, encouraging investment and vibrancy, and preserving the character of our downtown.” 

Over the coming months, Main Street Laurens will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its programs and operations to ensure that the organization is both sustainable and effective in carrying out the important role it was established to play in building a better future for Laurens. 

“We know people will have questions about what this means practically, particularly when it comes to plans for Squealing on the Square and other events that people associate with Main Street,” said Executive Director Brad Abercrombie. “As we move through this process, Main Street Laurens will continue hosting events and programs that align with our mission and goals moving forward. We will share updates on specific events as plans are finalized, but our commitment to downtown Laurens remains unchanged. Main Street Laurens and the City are committed to working together to make Laurens the best place it can be.” 

Although the organization’s designation within the Main Street South Carolina network has changed, the shared vision for downtown Laurens has not. Main Street Laurens and the City of Laurens remain committed to working together to support a thriving downtown that serves residents, businesses, and visitors for generations to come.