Celebrating the Dedication of North Carolina’s Main Street Champions
The commitment to revitalizing downtown areas in North Carolina is taking center stage as the N.C. Department of Commerce honors 42 individuals and organizations at the upcoming Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony. Scheduled for March 12 in New Bern, this event highlights the invaluable contributions of those nominated by their communities for their efforts in creating vibrant and thriving urban centers in 2025.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley expressed the essence of the ceremony, stating, “Main Street Champions embody the spirit of possibility. They turn concepts into action, energize local economies, and inspire others to invest in the future of their communities. The dedication of our champions ensures that North Carolina’s downtowns remain vibrant places where history meets progress.”
This year’s honorees join a long line of dedicated individuals, raising the total number of recognized champions to 1,004 since the program’s inception in 2000. The ceremony is a highlight of the annual N.C. Main Street Conference, renowned as the largest statewide gathering for downtown revitalization efforts in the United States.
Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, highlighted the impact of these champions by saying, “Each Champion is a catalyst for progress while bringing energy and commitment to the heart of our downtowns – turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring rural North Carolina thrives. Their work creates places where people want to build their lives and businesses for generations to come.”
Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, emphasized the significance of this tradition, adding, “Recognizing Main Street Champions is one of the most meaningful traditions of our conference. They truly demonstrate the theme of this year’s event, ‘Inspiring Impactful Change’, and their efforts leave a lasting impact on the places they call home.”
2025 N.C. Main Street Champions
- Pam Poplin – Albemarle
- Reynolds Lisk – Asheboro
- Doris Conner – Ayden
- Brian Frederick and Kristina Bulovic – Belmont
- Jill Puett – Cherryville
- Mary Rose – Clinton
- Karen Foley – Edenton
- Breanne Scribner and Lindsey Lynam – Elizabeth City
- Graham “Bear” Ray – Elkin
- Kimberly Holt – Elon
- Fuquay-Varina Public Works Department – Fuquay-Varina
- Joyce Stephens – Garner
- Todd Walker – Goldsboro
- Mayor Barbara Volk – Hendersonville
- Jay Brown – Hickory
- Lenoir Parks and Public Properties Division – Lenoir
- Tommy and Gidget Vickers – Lumberton
- Walt Bagwell – Marion
- Peyton Rice Fuqua – Mebane
- Sheila Crunkleton – Monroe
- Alan and Dawn Allman – Mooresville
- Tony Holloway – Morehead City
- Wendy Cato – Morganton
- Warner Dodson – Mount Airy
- Victoria Ivie – Murphy
- New Bern Parks & Recreation Department – New Bern
- Maura Johnston – Newton
- Christopher and Amanda Cook – Pilot Mountain
- Mayor Kyle Shipp – Pittsboro
- Eden Combs – Reidsville
- Saundra Shoe – Roxboro
- Christy Houser – Rutherfordton
- Rosalind Hines – Salisbury
- Chef Gregg Hamm – Sanford
- Rick Howell – Shelby
- Todd Johnson – Smithfield
- Kelli Simko and John Walker – Statesville
- Julie Donaldson – Sylva
- Ann Welton – Wake Forest
- Warren and Katherine Allen – Washington
- Grant Goings – Wilson
- Nicole and Brandon McCraney – Zebulon
The Main Street Program in North Carolina continues to lead the way in community revitalization efforts, celebrating 46 years of transformative work and 25 years of educational initiatives through the N.C. Main Street Conference. Utilizing the Main Street Approach™ to revitalization pioneered by Main Street America, the program equips local leaders with tools and strategies to foster resilient, vibrant downtowns statewide.
For further information about the N.C. Main Street Champions recognition program, visit the N.C. Main Street Conference website.
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