In a celebration of community dedication and economic revitalization, the North Carolina Department of Commerce is set to honor 42 distinguished individuals and groups. These honorees have been selected by their respective Main Street communities for their unwavering commitment to enhancing downtown areas and fostering robust local economies. This recognition will take place at the N.C. Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony in New Bern on March 12, 2025.
“Main Street Champions embody the spirit of possibility,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “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.”
The ceremony is part of the larger N.C. Main Street Conference, noted as the nation’s largest statewide downtown revitalization event. Since its inception in 2000, a total of 1,004 Main Street Champions have been recognized for their contributions. Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, highlighted the role of these champions, stating, “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.”
Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, also emphasized the influence of these champions: “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 N.C. Main Street Program, now in its 46th year, continues to bolster communities across the state. By employing the Main Street Approach™ to revitalization, the program has empowered local leaders with strategies to build thriving downtown districts from Murphy to Manteo. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the N.C. Main Street Conference’s impactful educational efforts, underscoring its longstanding commitment to community development.
Read More Here
