AUGUSTA - The Maine Development Foundation's Downtown Center has selected Farmington as the host community for the 12th annual Maine Downtown Conference. The conference showcases the economic and community values of downtown revitalization and historic preservation, utilizing Farmington, a Maine Downtown Network community as a case study.

"Our conference selection committee was thrilled to received Farmington's application to serve as host community. The Farmington Downtown Association is working hard and making good progress to keep the heart of their community thriving," said Roxanne Eflin, senior program director of the Maine Development Foundation and Maine state coordinator for the National Trust Maine Street Center.

Farmington Downtown Association's involvement with Chester Greenwood Day, Summer Festival, activities at the holidays, hanging plants decorating the village center, a survey study to assess shopping habits and parking issues downtown, and close partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce, UMF, Greater Franklin Development Corporation and town government, along with becoming a Main Street Maine Network Community have all led to statewide recognition and selection for the conference site.

The conference will be held on May 18, 2012, during National Preservation Month and will feature a nationally-recognized keynote speaker in downtown revitalization. University of Maine at Farmington facilities as well as other downtown venues will serve as conference sites.

More than 250 people are expected to attend the annual event, which features several educational sessions that will include historic preservation and facade design, retail business developments, property management, social marketing, organizational leadership, sustainable green downtowns, heritage tourism, retail and special events and local food. A walking tour of historic downtown will conclude the day, which will also feature the annual Downtown Achievement Awards.

"Downtown revitalization, historic preservation and policies to support both are key factors to Maine's economic future and quality of life," Eflin said.

For more information, including how to become a sponsor, contact Elfin at reflin@mdf.org or visit www.mdf.org