This national designation recognizes Seneca’s exceptional commitment to downtown revitalization, historic preservation, and community-driven economic development.
SENECA, Kan. — Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact has been designated as a 2026 Accredited Main Street America program, the highest level of recognition awarded by Main Street America for exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of nationally designated programs in recognition of their work creating meaningful improvements in downtown districts through the Main Street Approach™. Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is one of 838 programs across the nation to receive Accredited status in 2026.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from Main Street America,” said Kylee Bergstrom, Executive Director of Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact. “This designation reflects the dedication of our volunteers, businesses, property owners, community partners, and residents who continue working together to strengthen downtown Seneca while preserving the character and history that make our community special.”
Main Street America recognizes two tiers of national designation: Accredited and Affiliate. These designations serve as a badge of excellence, recognizing programs that demonstrate a strong commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and community impact. Accredited status is Main Street America’s highest designation tier.
Programs receiving Accredited status must demonstrate exceptional performance in areas including broad-based community engagement, inclusive leadership, sustainable operations, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and measurable impact and results. The designation process includes assessments conducted in partnership with Kansas Main Street and Main Street America.
Over the past year, Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact has continued building momentum through downtown revitalization projects, tourism initiatives, business support programs, community events, and regional collaborations designed to strengthen the local economy and attract visitors to Northeast Kansas. Recent efforts have included expansion of destination-focused tourism experiences, promotion of downtown businesses, and continued investment in preserving and enhancing the historic character of downtown Seneca.
Main Street America programs collectively generated $9.4 billion in local reinvestment in 2025 while supporting new businesses, job creation, historic rehabilitation projects, and volunteer engagement across the country.
ABOUT SENECA AREA CHAMBER AND DOWNTOWN IMPACT The Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is dedicated to promoting, encouraging, and improving the business, civic, historical, and cultural vitality of the Seneca area while fostering a vibrant and economically strong community. Through community partnerships, events, tourism, business support, and downtown revitalization initiatives, the organization works to strengthen Seneca as a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Learn more at www.ComeSeeSeneca.com.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Today, the network includes more than 1,600 communities across the country working to build stronger places through preservation-based economic development. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
