The mission of the Pride of Kinston, Inc. is to lead successful downtown revitalization in Kinston using the Main Street approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which promotes economic development within the context of historic preservation. The Main Street approach is a comprehensive process designed to improve all aspects of downtown development, producing both intangible and tangible benefits. This concept emphasizes downtown management and public-private partnerships. By stressing quality, self-help and incremental improvement, and by utilizing local assets, Main Street teaches communities to successfully manage change in their downtowns.
Organization builds partnerships for effective management and leadership for the local program.
Promotion re-establishes downtown as an attractive place for shoppers, investors, and visitors. Strategies range from street festivals to retail merchandising and advertising, community education, and public relations. Design enhances the visual quality and overall attractiveness of downtown. Attention must be given to all elements of the downtown environment, including buildings and storefronts, rear entries, signs, landscaping, window displays and graphic materials. Economic restructuring strengthens existing economic assets of the business district while diversifying its economic base.