North Wilkesboro, NC (June19, 2020) – The Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program.  Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. 

“We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President  &  CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.”

In 2019 alone, $6.45 billion of public and private reinvestment was generated, 6,466 net new businesses were opened, 32,316 net new were jobs created, and 10,412 buildings were rehabilitated in Main Street America communities.

 The Partnership’s performance is evaluated by North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet ten rigorous performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.

Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership celebrates a milestone this year - turning 20. The non-profit volunteer lead group was officially accepted into the N.C. Main Street program in April 2000. Its original eight-member board of directors included Stan Clifton, Doug Merritt, Mark Pegram, Louise Gerhard, Bill Clifton, Debbie Ferguson, Chuck Forester and Ike Forester and Executive Director, Barbara Spears Pipek.

Current board members include President Donna Goforth, Secretary Nancy Payne, Amy Blair, George Smith, Kylie Boothe, Christy Holt, Wanda Sapp, Garrett Griffin, Debbie Pearson, Elizabeth Lee and Felisha Daemer. Mayor, Robert Johnson and Town Manager, Wilson Hooper are Ex-Officio members and Crystal Keener is the Partnership’s Director. This group is comprised of business owners, a real estate agent, a tech industry employee, county services employees and North Wilkesboro residents. The Partnership receives funding from the Town of North Wilkesboro, drink sales at Concerts on the Deck, vendor fees and donations from community members. For more information or to become a volunteer or supporting Partner, visit downtownnorthwilkesboro.com

Since its beginning 20 years ago, the Partnership has completed and helped to fund 93 building rehab projects, saw the creation of 135 full-time jobs and 89 part-time jobs and 49 new net businesses. It saw 19 business expansions, 32 public improvement projects, a public investment of 1.9 million dollars and private investments totaling 19.2 million. And their volunteers logged 3000 plus hours, a value of 69 thousand dollars, according to the Non Profit Times. Funded $15K in façade grant funs

Vision Statement: Where stock-car racing and moonshine were born, North Wilkesboro resides at the confluence of the Reddies and Yadkin Rivers, where downtown is the center of commerce and night life, serving to connect and cultivate innovators with the largest collection of thriving locally owned businesses. Downtown is where the arts come together as a haven for entrepreneurs, entertainers, skilled craftsmen, and artisans from potters to distillers.