Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation Board members, City of Goldsboro staff and representatives and Downtown Goldsboro Merchants Association representatives attended the 2021 North Carolina Main Street Annual Conference & Awards Ceremony, virtually, March 9th – 11th. Downtown Goldsboro Merchants Association Chairperson, Kimber Roche, was recognized by the North Carolina Main Street program as Goldsboro’s 2020 Champion for her efforts in downtown advocacy and promoting collaboration.
All North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities during a virtual recognition ceremony on March 11th at 9:30 a.m.
“There are three keys to economic development success: public-private partnerships that share in the effort and jointly celebrate the successes of projects; economic development strategies that leverage local assets for authentic enhancements and improvements; and local champions that are leading the effort every step of the way,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce. “The Main Street program throughout the state, is the epitome of the implementation of these three key components of success.”
“N.C. Commerce and N.C. Main Street have been recognizing Main Street Champions for more than two decades. We know that the success of downtown districts is because of the people behind the effort, and each year, we recognize the visionary individuals that have a strong sense of commitment to their community. They develop projects that improve quality of life, grow cultural and recreational development, renovate historic properties and spur investment and create jobs and businesses,” said Liz Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center.
Thirty-eight Main Street Champions received honors for contributions to their Main Street programs and downtown districts last year. Including the 2020 honorees, 804 Champions have been recognized since 2000.
To watch Kimber’s award video and read her write-up, submitted by Downtown Development staff, please visit www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/post/kimber-roche-goldsboro.
