Next

Certifications and Credentials Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential Main Street America Focus Area: All Training Type: Credential More information about Main Street America Revitalization Professional Credential Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Program International Economic Development Council Focus Area: Economic Vitality Training Type: Certificate More information about Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Program Entrepreneurship Development Profes

Professional Development Overview In the dynamic landscape of downtown revitalization, professional development is not just a benefit, it’s a necessity. For NC Main Street Directors, staying informed, inspired, and equipped with the latest tools and strategies is essential to fostering vibrant, resilient communities. Ongoing learning empowers directors to lead with confidence, adapt to emerging trends, and collaborate effectively across sectors. By investing in professional g

Lumberton is honored to name Tommy and Gidget Vickers their 2025 Main Street Champions.

“Pilot Mountain is home.” Says Christopher and Amanda Cook. “Our families, our kids—even our great-great-grandparents—are from here. This is where we plan to stay, and we want our community to be healthy and thriving.”

The City of New Bern Parks & Recreation Department is a powerhouse of community engagement, partnership, and event coordination—bringing energy and connection to downtown year-round.

“What I love most about Wake Forest is the sense of community. Everybody knows each other, helps each other, and truly looks out for one another. It’s rare and special.

Graham “Bear” Ray, owner of Black Bear Tattoo, brought new life to downtown Elkin when he relocated his business in 2023.

Elizabeth City recognizes Breanne Scribner and Lindsey Lynam as their 2025 Main Street Champions.

Clinton is proud to recognize Mary Rose as its 2025 North Carolina Main Street Champion.

For two decades, City Manager Rick Howell has been a driving force behind the revitalization of Uptown Shelby. Since 2005, he has led with vision, collaboration, and a deep belief in Shelby’s potential.

“I want reasons for people to call Murphy home.” says Victoria Ivie, Executive Director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.

Marion is a place where community spirit thrives — and people like Walt Bagwell make all the difference.

“I’m very honored,” Saundra said. “This award is for important people, and I feel like I’m just a small part of the community.” To Uptown Roxboro, Saundra Shoe is anything but small.

When Warner Dodson retired from a lifetime of service — first as a military veteran, then as a lineman — slowing down wasn’t an option.

Sheila Crunkleton is an advocate for community growth and engagement.

“Downtown Reidsville is where our dreams took root—and where we’re helping others grow theirs.” Says Eden Combs.

Pam Poplin’s story is one of quiet leadership and unwavering dedication.

A passionate historian, Todd Johnson has long worked to preserve Smithfield’s heritage. In 2025, that dedication reached new heights when the historic downtown theater—operating since 1935—was almost sold to a church, Todd stepped in.

When Grant Goings arrived in Wilson in 2005, he saw downtown not just as a district—but as the catalyst for citywide economic development.

Since 2012, Jewelers on Main has been part of the heartbeat of Downtown Mooresville.

Karen Foley has become one of Downtown Edenton’s brightest lights, using her talent and passion to celebrate the people and places that make the community shine.

If you’ve walked through Downtown Pittsboro and felt the mix of small-town charm and forward momentum, you’ve seen Mayor Kyle Shipp’s leadership in action.

“Volunteering with Downtown Salisbury, Inc. has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It's inspiring to see how our efforts can make a real difference in our community,” Rosalind Hines shared with Downtown Salisbury Inc. Director.

“Serving is the cornerstone to the community,” is Joyce’s mantra.

For 26 years, Julie Donaldson has been a guiding force in downtown Sylva as Director of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

When Jay Brown opened Jay Brown Realtors in downtown Hickory, he wasn’t just launching a business—he was making a commitment to the community.

When John Walker and Kelli Simko opened 220 (two-twenty) Café in downtown Statesville in 2010, they weren’t just starting a restaurant, they were planting roots.

Doris Conner has been a powerhouse of creativity and community spirit in Ayden since joining the Main Street program in 2019.

“Downtown Rutherfordton has always felt like home to me—it’s where hard work, creativity, and community spirit come together,” says Christy Houser, owner of Mill Hill General Store and President of Rutherford Town Rising.

Chef Gregg Hamm has been a driving force behind the growth and vibrancy of downtown Sanford.

Todd Walker truly embodies the spirit of “One Community.”

When you think of the heart of downtown Mebane, you think of Peyton Rice Fuqua.

Jill Parker Puett has been a tireless advocate for Cherryville and a driving force behind its downtown transformation.

“We were looking for office space — somewhere affordable and walkable. When my business partner, Harrison Boyd, and I found something on Washington's waterfront, then we made the move from Greenville.

Jeff Holland, our Parks and Public Properties Superintendent, said it best. “You can see that pride in every sidewalk swept, every park cleaned, and every detail they touch. They don’t wait to be asked — they just do.”

Behind every smooth event and clean street in downtown Fuquay-Varina is a dedicated team from the Public Works Department.

For more than 25 years, Reynolds Lisk has been a driving force behind downtown Asheboro’s growth and vibrancy.

Wendy Cato has been a constant presence in Downtown Morganton’s story of growth and resilience.

“I’ve had the opportunity to move a lot in my life,” says Maura Johnston, “and I don’t want to live in ‘Anywhere, USA.’”

“In January 2017, we took a leap of faith. Opening Olde Raleigh Distillery had been a dream for years

In the heart of Elon, Pandora’s Pies is more than a restaurant; it’s a home away from home, thanks to Kimberly Holt.

“Hendersonville is just such a wonderful community” boasts Mayor Barbara Volk.

“What motivated me to serve as Board Chair not just once, but twice, was a genuine desire to give back to my community and support the incredible work of our staff and volunteers.”

Inspired by weekend visits to independent bookstores, they opened a cozy, welcoming space in December 2024—right in the heart of Belmont.

Downtown Elizabeth City was the host of a groundbreaking event that redefined what’s possible for their waterfront, the Bassmaster Elite Series Fishing Tournament and Hooked on the Harbor Festival.

Elm Street Pocket Park in downtown Lumberton has redefined what’s possible for downtown revitalization through art, collaboration, and economic vision.

The Sylva Depot Plaza is a project that proves small-scale infrastructure can have a big impact — not just on a town’s functionality, but on its identity, its economy, and its sense of place.

The Holland Building rehabilitation began with a simple need—a new home for the Statesville Historical Collection—and ended with the rediscovery of a powerful piece of our shared past.

Downtown Concord’s Streetscape project was designed with a bold goal: to reimagine their historic center city as a vibrant, walkable, and economically resilient destination.

The Old Cherry Inn beautifully bridges Tarboro’s past with its future — a shining example of how historic preservation can fuel economic growth, community pride, and creative entrepreneurship.