The North Carolina Department of Commerce is set to honor 42 individuals and organizations during the N.C. Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony, scheduled for March 12 in New Bern. These honorees have been selected for their significant contributions to downtown revitalization and community building efforts in 2025. The event is a key component of the annual N.C. Main Street Conference, which is known as the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the United States.
According to N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, the Main Street Champions play a crucial role in transforming ideas into tangible actions that boost local economies. Their dedication is credited with keeping North Carolina’s downtowns vibrant, blending historical charm with modern progress. Reginald Speight, the Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, stated that each champion acts as a catalyst for turning challenges into opportunities, fostering thriving rural communities.
Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, highlighted that the recognition of these individuals aligns with the conference’s theme, “Inspiring Impactful Change.” The ceremony will mark the achievement of over 1,000 Main Street Champions recognized since the program’s inception in 2000. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen downtown districts through the proven Main Street Approach™ to revitalization, a strategy developed by Main Street America.
The 2025 N.C. Main Street Champions are:
- 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 N.C. Main Street Program has been a significant force in revitalizing communities across North Carolina for 46 years, with 25 years of impactful education through the N.C. Main Street Conference. Utilizing the Main Street Approach™ to revitalization, the program has equipped local leaders with the necessary tools to foster vibrant and economically resilient communities statewide.
More information about the N.C. Main Street Champions recognition program can be found on the N.C. Main Street Conference website.
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