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2026
NC Main Street
Directors' Meeting
August 3, 2026 - August 6, 2026
Brevard, NC
Welcome to Downtown Brevard. Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, our charming downtown is home to over 110 independently owned businesses, from one-of-a-kind boutiques and vibrant galleries, cafes, eateries, and local watering holes.
Stroll tree-lined streets, explore historic architecture, and discover a welcoming blend of creativity, culture, and small-town charm. Whether you’re sipping a craft brew, shopping for locally made goods, or enjoying live music there’s always something to experience.
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Review Heart of Brevard's dining and shopping webpage. Remember to Shop LOCAL!
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Learn about the Social District boundaries and how Brevard leverages the District!
Monday Schedule | August 3
Location:
Brevard Music Center
Alumni House
The New Directors' meeting is designed specifically for Main Street directors with one year or less experience. The meeting will focus on equipping new directors with the core tools, knowledge, and peer connections needed to succeed in their roles.
1:00 PM:
Welcome
5:00 PM:
Meeting Adjourned
5:15 PM:
Monday Night Mingle
Territory Wine Market
Join NC Main Street staff and your peers for the Monday Night Mingle at Territory Wine Market, one of downtown Brevard’s newest businesses, located in a beautifully renovated vintage gas station that reopened on Main Street in spring of 2025. Open until 10pm, enjoy food, natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, craft cocktails, and more. Continue the conversations during dinner at a downtown restaurant.
6:30 PM:
Dinner on Your Own
Tuesday Schedule | August 4
Location:
Brevard Music Center
Parker Concert Hall
The Directors’ Meeting includes sessions designed to assist local program directors and staff with tools to help manage and elevate their local Main Street programs. Areas of focus include the four components of the National Main Street model: organization, economic vitality, design, and promotion.
10:00 AM:
Welcome and Housekeeping | NC Main Street Staff Introductions
10:15 AM:
Your "Big Hairy Idea" in 10 Words or Less
What’s a BIG HAIRY IDEA? Think of the bold, transformational project you’ve been dreaming of for your community. What would you do if funding, policy, and logistical barriers did not exist? Challenge yourself to imagine catalytic projects that could redefine your community’s future.
Instructions: The room is a map of North Carolina. Go stand where your community is located on the map. We’ll go around the map for introductions.
Please state the following:
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Name
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Community Name
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Your “BIG HAIRY IDEA” for your community in 10 WORDS OR LESS.
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Examples:
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A riverfront amphitheater with shipping container pop up businesses
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Transforming an alleyway into an arts forward pedestrian corridor
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Redeveloping the historic XYZ building to become a boutique hotel
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Redeveloping an old depot into a restaurant and performance venue
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11:15 AM:
Need to Know NC Main Street Information & Deadlines
Liz Parham, Director, Main Street & Rural Planning Center
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Economic Development Statistics Highlights
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Volunteer Hours
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July 31, 2026, State and National Logos Deadlines
Amy Suggs, Main Street Program Specialist
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September 24, 2026, Main Street Award Nominations
Joy Almond, Main Street Program Specialist
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September 24, 2026, Main Street Champion Nominations
11:30 AM:
Catalyst Talks
Organization: More Than a Report: Creating the Definitive Record of Your Main Street's Impact
Speaker:
Nicole Bentley, Heart of Brevard
Organization: One Community, One Economy: Partnering with County and Regional Economic Developers
Speaker:
Burton Hodges, Transylvania Economic Alliance
Economic Vitality: The Sears Building Redevelopment: Turning Vacancy into Opportunity
Speaker:
Ches Chesson, Main Street Edenton
Economic Vitality: Publicly Owned Buildings as Catalysts for Downtown Investment
Speaker:
Tyler Wise, Downtown Clinton and Roseboro Small Town Main Street
12:10 PM:
Lunch Break
Use this as a network building opportunity and invite someone new
2:00 PM:
NCMS Staff Tips & Resources
Preparing for Your Professional Main to Main Trail Community Filming
Speaker:
Susan Kellum, NC Main Street
2:10 PM:
Education Session
How to Manage Conflict Through Emotional Regulation and Active Listening
Conflict is a natural part of Main Street work. In this interactive session, participants will identify a conflict or difficult relationship they’d like to improve. Utilizing a provided worksheet, directors will learn and apply tools that can help build stronger relationships with boards, elected officials, business owners, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Speaker:
Dr. Betty Farmer, Western Carolina University
3:10 PM:
Break
3:25 PM:
Education Session
When Main Street's on the Line: Leading through Programs, Projects, and People
What makes a Main Street Trailblazer? It’s the ability to lead through challenges, solve problems, build support, and keep moving forward when programs, projects, or careers are on the line. Through real-word stories and practical tools, this session shares concrete tips for leadership, resilience, and influence in the toughest moments of Main Street Work.
Program Strategy: When Your Program is on the Rocks
Speaker:
Addie Corder, Downtown Asheboro Inc.
Project Problem Solving: When Your Project is on Life Support
Speaker:
Sada Troutman, City of Salisbury
Personal Resilience: Surviving the Political Chopping Block
Speaker:
Kelli Laudate, Downtown Sanford, Inc.
4:30 PM:
NCMS Staff Tips & Resources:
From Research to Results: Implementing the Anchor Strategy Toolkit
How can Main Street programs turn Place & Main’s Anchor Study into meaningful action? NC Main Street staff will provide a brief overview of the Anchor Strategy Toolkit, highlight key findings from the statewide anchor study, and discuss practical ways communities can use the data to support downtown revitalization and economic development. This session will include an interactive Q&A, allowing directors to ask questions and receive real-time guidance on applying the toolkit in their communities.
Speaker:
Liz Parham, NC Main Street
5:00 PM:
Group Photo
5:15 PM:
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by: DD Bullwinkel's Outdoors
DD Bullwinkel's Outdoors, The Map Room
Join us for a special Welcome Reception in the Map Room at DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors, where guests will enjoy craft beer, wine, light bites, and the opportunity to shop one of downtown Brevard’s most remarkable historic restoration projects. This beautifully reimagined space is a proud recipient of a North Carolina Main Street Solutions Fund grant and stands as an outstanding example of how thoughtful investment can preserve historic character while supporting downtown revitalization.
*East Main Street will be closed on August 4th from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM for the 2026 National Night Out Event. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with vendor setup scheduled from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Please plan ahead and consider alternative parking areas during this time.
6:30 PM:
Dinner on your own
Wednesday Schedule | August 5
Location:
Brevard Music Center
Parker Concert Hall
8:30 AM:
Q&A & Tuesday Recap
8:40 AM:
Catalyst Talks
NCDDA Update: Priorities, Opportunities, and What's Ahead (Org)
Speaker:
Jennifer Herbert, Town of Wake Forest
Mooresville: Jump Start Grant (EV)
Speaker:
Kim Atkins, Mooresville Downtown Commission
Bessemer City Building Rehabilitation Incentive Grant (BRIG) Program (EV)
Speaker:
Amber Bridges, Bessemer City
City of Morganton: Main Street Loan Program (EV)
Speaker:
Makenzie McGinnis, City of Morganton
9:20 AM:
NCMS Staff Tips & Resources:
Annual Assessment Readiness: Telling Your Main Street Story
Annual assessments are an opportunity to showcase your community's accomplishments, celebrate your volunteers and partners, and identify where additional support can help you move forward. This fast-paced session will walk directors through what to expect, what information to have on hand, and simple tips for making the assessment process smooth, productive, and stress-free.
Speaker:
Amy Suggs, NC Main Street
9:40 AM:
Break
10:00 AM:
Education Session
Culture Creates Commerce: How Arts, Storytelling & Community Identity Drive Economic Growth
Culture Queens will share how public art, creative placemaking, and authentic storytelling can strengthen downtown identity, attract visitors, and support local businesses. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how small cultural investments can create lasting economic and community impact. Directors will leave with practical ideas for incorporating arts and culture into their Main Street revitalization efforts.
Speaker:
Jennifer Everett, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Queens Outdoors
11:00 AM:
Education Session
Building Partnerships to Expand Entrepreneurial Growth” Christine Laucher, Mountain Bizworks
Entrepreneurial growth doesn't happen in isolation. Learn how Main Street programs can bring together partners, resources, and local champions to support entrepreneurs, expand access to financing, and create pathways to downtown building ownership. This session will highlight strategies for building the relationships that drive lasting economic vitality
Speaker:
Christine Laucher, Mountain Bizworks
12:00 PM:
Lunch Break
Use this as a network building opportunity and invite someone new. After lunch, you will need to be in a group of 4 for the self-guided walking audit.
1:45 PM:
Downtown Brevard Self-Guided Walking Audit
Please do the audit in groups of 4
We will use Brevard's walking audit model for this exercise
"Since 2020, Heart of Brevard’s Built Environment Committee has conducted the Walkable Center Assessment three times to evaluate downtown Brevard’s physical environment. This process helps identify short- and mid-term priorities aimed at making the area safer, more accessible, walkable, and vibrant for residents and visitors alike. The assessment focuses on safety concerns, maintenance needs, enhancement opportunities such as adding trash bins or bike racks, aesthetic improvements, and other observations. The findings from these evaluations are used to support funding requests during City Council budget and priority-setting discussions, helping guide targeted improvements that enhance the overall experience and vitality of downtown Brevard."
3:30 PM:
NCMS Staff Tips & Resources:
From Idea to Investment: Building Competitive Community Projects
Great projects start long before funding becomes available. Learn how to identify catalytic projects, build local support, develop partnerships, and position initiatives for successful funding applications. This fast-paced session will share practical strategies for moving community ideas from concept to implementation.
Speakers:
Liz Parham and Lisa Rueh, NC Main Street
4:00 PM:
NCMS Staff Tips & Resources:
The Disaster Recovery Toolbox: Practical Steps for Main Street Leaders and Businesses
Speaker:
Mike Dougherty, NC Main Street
4:10 PM:
Catalyst Talks
Hooked on Opportunity: Leveraging Major Events for Long-Term Downtown Impact (Prom)
Speaker:
Debbie Malenfant, Elizabeth City Downtown
Making Lemonade out of Lemons: Graffiti Solutions in Downtown Districts (Design)
Speaker:
Lane Moody, Downtown Boone Development Association
UNCG Main Street Fellow Services: Creating an Economic & Organizational Impact (Design)
Speaker:
Amy Suggs, NC Main Street
4:50 PM:
Wrap-Up | Q & A
5:15 PM:
Music and Dinner | Optional
South Broad Plaza
Join us at the South Broad Plaza, recognized in 2018 with the NC Main Street Award for Best Infill Project. Home to Quixote, Wood & Vine, and Brevard Pizza Works, the plaza offers outdoor seating and service at all three restaurants. Make a reservation for patio dining or order takeout from Quixote or Brevard Pizza Works and enjoy your meal in the sunshine while taking in live music sponsored by Heart of Brevard. The event takes place within Brevard's Social District, making it the perfect place to sip, stroll, and soak up the atmosphere throughout the evening.
*Two Step Too will be performing on the plaza from 5–7 pm.
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Place your food order ahead or on location:
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Brevard Pizza Works offers on location ordering only
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Music Sponsor: Heart of Brevard
6:30 PM:
Dinner on your own
Review when restaurants will be open and their hours during the week
Thursday Schedule | August 6
Location:
Brevard Music Center
Parker Concert Hall
8:30 AM:
Education & Storytelling Session:
The Story of Main Street: Capturing North Carolina's Economic Development Success Stories
North Carolina's downtowns are creating some of the most impactful economic development stories in the country. This interactive session will continue our statewide effort to make North Carolina the leader of Main Street storytelling. Through guided interviews, photography, and short video recordings, participants will help capture the human-centered stories behind downtown revitalization and the people leading it. Together, we'll begin building a library of your authentic stories that demonstrate the power of Main Street as an economic development strategy and share the impact of this work across North Carolina and beyond
Speaker:
Lizzie Morrison, NC Main Street
9:30 AM:
Break
9:45 AM:
A Little Help from Our Friends
Main Street directors are often the best resource for solving Main Street problems. In this facilitated peer-to-peer discussion, participants will break into groups based on community population size to share challenges, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities in their downtown districts. The goal is to tap into the collective experience of the NC Main Street network, identify practical solutions, and build stronger connections among directors facing similar issues. NC Main Street staff will capture ideas, resources, and key takeaways to share with the broader network.
Discussion Prompts:
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What's your community's Big Hairy Idea, and what's the biggest obstacle standing in the way of making it happen?
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What downtown project, property, or initiative are you actively trying to move forward right now, and what help do you need to move the needle forward?
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What is one challenge related to entrepreneurship, building redevelopment, or investment attraction that your community hasn't figured out yet?
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How are you leveraging your community's culture, history, arts, or unique identity as an economic development strategy, and what are you struggling with?
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What is one lesson you learned the hard way in Main Street work that could save another director time, money, or heartache?
10:45 AM:
Catalyst Talks
The Power of a Plan: Turning Vision into Downtown Investment (Org)
Speaker:
Mary Yount, Downtown Newton
The Partnership Playbook: Building Cross-Sector Collaboration for High-Impact Projects (EV)
Speaker:
Kimberly Van Dyk and Christina Bynum White, City of Wilson
11:05 AM:
Break
11:20 AM:
Education Session:
The Big Hairy Idea: Turning Vision into Reality
Every transformative downtown project begins with someone willing to think bigger than current budgets, politics, or circumstances. This closing session revisits the "Big Hairy Ideas" shared at the beginning of the meeting and explores what it takes to pursue bold community visions over the long term. Through stories of persistence, partnership, and planting seeds for the future, participants will be reminded that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. Sometimes the most important work of a Main Street leader is creating momentum for a vision whose full impact may not be realized for years to come.
Speaker:
Julie Metz, Metz Solutions
12:20 PM:
Share Ah-Ha Moments | Q&A | Wrap-Up
1:00 PM:
Meeting Adjourned
Please have safe travels home!
Map
Hotels
Hampton Inn: $109
275 Forest Gate Drive, Pisgah Forest, NC 28769
828-883-4800
Visit the Hampton Inn Brevard website for hotel information
If you are a government employee, check the government rate price to secure the lowest price
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Two ways to book your room
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Call the hotel directly to book a room from the NCMS Managers Conference room block.
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Book your room online by visiting the dedicated event link. Verify dates are correct
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Holiday Inn Express: $121
185 Old Hendersonville Highway, Brevard, NC 28712
828-348-8745
Visit the Holiday Inn Express website for hotel information
If you are a government employee, check the government rate price to secure the lowest price
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Two ways to book your room
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Call the hotel directly to book a room from the NCMS Managers Conference room block.
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Book your room online by visiting the dedicated event link. Verify dates are correct
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**In addition to the hotels listed above, there are also various VRBOs and Airbnb options available throughout the area. Guests are welcome to explore any of these online to find accommodations that best suit their needs.
