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WNC Business

Nine WNC Main Street Communities Recognized by Department of Commerce

Mar 18, 2026 09:32AM ● By WNC Business
The North Carolina Department of Commerce will recognize 42 individuals and organizations at the NC Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony on March 12 in New Bern. Nominated by their respective Main Street communities, these award winners are honored for their commitment to downtown revitalization and building strong communities in 2025. The line-up includes nine winners in the Western North Carolina region.

"Main Street Champions embody the spirit of possibility," said NC 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."

With the addition of this year’s honorees, the total number of Main Street Champions reaches 1,004 recipients since 2000.  This ceremony is part of the annual NC Main Street Conference, the nation’s largest statewide downtown revitalization conference.

"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," said Reginald Speight, Commerce’s Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development. "Their work creates places where people want to build their lives and businesses for generations to come."

"Recognizing Main Street Champions is one of the most meaningful traditions of our conference," said Liz Parham, Director, NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. "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."

The Western North Carolina 2025 NC Main Street Champions are:
  • Mayor Barbara Volk - Hendersonville
  • Jay Brown - Hickory
  • Lenoir Parks and Public Properties Division - Lenoir
  • Walt Bagwell - Marion
  • Wendy Cato - Morganton
  • Victoria Ivie - Murphy
  • Christy Houser - Rutherfordton
  • Rick Howell - Shelby
  • Julie Donaldson - Sylva

The NC Main Street Program is celebrating 46 years of revitalizing communities across North Carolina and 25 years of delivering impactful education through the NC Main Street Conference. From Murphy to Manteo, the program has strengthened downtown districts using the proven Main Street Approach™ to revitalization, developed by Main Street America which has equipped local leaders with the tools and strategies to foster vibrant, economically resilient communities statewide.

Learn more about the NC Main Street Champions recognition program on the NC Main Street Conference website.

Source: NC Department of 

Awards & Recognitions, Government/Nonprofit
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