North Raleigh Today

Forty-seven individuals and organizations are set to be recognized as Main Street Champions in Mooresville on March 13th. The event highlights their contributions to downtown revitalization and community building throughout 2024. This ceremony, part of the annual North Carolina Main Street Conference, brings the total number of recognized champions to 962 since the program's inception in 2000.

N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley stated, “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 the Commerce Department, added, “Main Street Champions are committed to economic development in our rural communities,” highlighting their advocacy for enhancing community programs.

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.”

The list of honorees includes individuals and groups from various cities across North Carolina. Among them are Michael Ferris from Albemarle, David Smith from Asheboro, Gwendy Michael from Ayden, and many others contributing significantly to their localities.

The N.C. Main Street program marks its 45th anniversary this year. It continues its mission to improve downtown districts statewide using the Main Street Approach developed by Main Street America.

Further details about the recognition program and past honorees can be found on the N.C. Main Street Conference website.