FARMINGTON - The local downtown network was recognized at a state-wide conference Friday, as awarded the designation of Maine Downtown Network of the Year.

The association is already in elite company; there are only 18 communities across the state who have been selected for participation in the Maine Downtown Network. Farmington joined the program in 2009, the first year of the Maine Downtown Center's operation. MDN works with community organizations as they work to develop and revitalize their downtown districts.

Alison Hagerstrom is the executive director of Greater Franklin Development Corp. and a member of the Farmington Downtown Association pointed to a number of ongoing projects lauded by the MDN.

"They've been using this approach for two years and it's beginning to pay off," Hagerstrom said. "It's really an honor for the downtown."

Farmington Downtown Association was presented with the award by Jon Edgerton, the co-chair of the Maine Downtown Center’s Advisory Council. Noting the FDA had "come a long way" in the last couple years, Edgerton singled out the work of four committees for special mention. The committees, each formed around one of the four tenants of the "Main Street Approach," meet constantly, along with attending full board meetings.

Edgerton presented the award to FDA Chair Janice Maxham and her predecessor, former-Chair Michael Mansir.

The work of the Organization Committee has most recently been in the public eye, with the intercept and parking surveys presented by Craig Freshley of Good Group Decisions. Included within the surveys is data regarding what retailers shoppers are looking for, what strengths the downtown enjoys and how the district can continue to improve.

That information is fueling the Economic Restructuring Committee, which has recently produced a guide to doing business in downtown Farmington and an occupancy analysis of downtown. Underway is a united marketing plan for the downtown, aimed at attracting new businesses into vacant spaces.

The Design Committee has been working on ascetic improvements to the district. Recent steps have included the hanging planters on lamp posts, filled with summer flowers or Christmas greens, as well as the Meetinghouse Park improvements which will install ramps to make the park more accessible.

The Promotions Committee has been developing events to bring children and adults into the downtown.

"It's been good," Hagerstrom said. "Proof positive that the hard work has been paying off. Momentum, excitement, it's a lot of fun."