Celebrating Excellence in Downtown Revitalization: North Carolina Main Street Champions
In Mooresville, N.C., an impressive group of 47 individuals and organizations are set to be honored for their remarkable contributions to revitalizing downtown areas. The recognition ceremony, which will take place on March 13th, is part of the annual North Carolina Main Street Conference, the largest statewide event of its kind focusing on downtown revitalization.
Since its inception, the Main Street Champions program, organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, has celebrated a total of 962 champions starting from the year 2000. These champions have been pivotal in bringing about positive change in their communities.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley praised these leaders, stating, “Main Street Champions are dynamic leaders who drive progress within their communities.” He emphasized their role in identifying growth opportunities that significantly impact local economies and neighborhoods.
Highlighting their dedication, Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, remarked, “Main Street Champions are committed to economic development in our rural communities. They advocate for programs that make our communities the best that they can be.”
Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, noted the importance of this tradition, stating, “A champion is an exemplary definition of a leader, that plays a key role in creating livable, lovable communities, which epitomizes the theme of this year’s conference.”
List of 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champions
- Michael Ferris – Albemarle
- David Smith – Asheboro
- Gwendy Michael – Ayden
- Susan Martello – Belmont
- Wesley Shook – Brevard
- Cherryville Public Works and Electrical Department – Cherryville
- Jess and Wally Bashlor – Clinton
- Small Business Saturday Committee – Concord
- Eden Public Works Operations and Facilities & Grounds – Eden
- Kristy Belton – Edenton
- Heather Sawyer – Elizabeth City
- Denny and Shannon Lazar – Elkin
- Eddie and Justin Duszlak – Elon
- C. Phillip Byers – Forest City
- David Ball – Fuquay-Varina
- Demian Dellinger – Garner
- January Hammond – Goldsboro
- Caroline Gunther – Hendersonville
- Emily Westmoreland – Hickory
- Downtown Kinston Revitalization Design Committee – Kinston
- Aaron and Lauren Mathews – Marion
- Aimee Krans – Mebane
- Ron Mack – Mooresville
- Kayla Brown – Morehead City
- Starla Hoke and Bobbie McCombs – Morganton
- Patrick Keenan and Matt Wright – Murphy
- Lynne Harakal – New Bern
- Crystal McMillan – Newton
- Trey Snide – Oxford
- Tiana Thurber – Pittsboro
- Deborah White – Reidsville
- Nasir Dukes – Rocky Mount
- Larry Cole – Roxboro
- FAB Festival Committee – Rutherfordton
- Salisbury Public Works Department – Salisbury
- Linda Kelly Rhodes – Sanford
- Scott Black – Shelby
- Jim Duffey – Statesville
- Jeannine Sowers, Joel Sowers, and Robin Bailey – Sylva
- Liam Gilroy – Tarboro
- Troy Public Works Department – Troy
- Stephanie Brown – Wake Forest
- Bill Cummings – Washington
- Jeff Wells – Waxhaw
- Kirk Messer – Waynesville
- Ryan Simons – Wilson
- Patricia Roberson – Zebulon
This year, the N.C. Main Street program also marks its 45th anniversary. Since its start, it has helped improve downtown districts across North Carolina using the Main Street Approach™ developed by Main Street America.
For further details on the N.C. Main Street Champions recognition program and a list of past honorees, visit the N.C. Main Street Conference website.
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