Lee Lilley, Secretary of Commerce | North Carolina Department of Commerce
Lee Lilley, Secretary of Commerce | North Carolina Department of Commerce
Forty-seven individuals and organizations are set to be honored as Main Street Champions during a ceremony in Mooresville on March 13th. This event celebrates their significant contributions to downtown revitalization and community building throughout 2024. With these new additions, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has recognized a total of 962 Main Street Champions since the program's inception in 2000. The recognition ceremony is a highlight of the annual North Carolina Main Street Conference, noted as the largest statewide gathering focused on downtown revitalization.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley commented, “Main Street Champions are dynamic leaders who drive progress within their communities.” He emphasized that these individuals identify growth opportunities that transform local economies and neighborhoods.
Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at Commerce, added, “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, remarked on the tradition of honoring these champions: “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.”
The list of honorees for 2024 includes notable names from various towns across North Carolina such as Michael Ferris from Albemarle and David Smith from Asheboro. The list extends to include organizations like Cherryville Public Works and Electrical Department and committees such as Small Business Saturday Committee from Concord.
The N.C. Main Street program marks its 45th anniversary this year. It continues to improve downtown districts through the established Main Street Approach developed by Main Street America.
Further details about the N.C. Main Street Champions recognition program and past honorees can be found on the N.C. Main Street Conference website.
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