The City of Sanford's Public Works Department was one of 33 North Carolina Main Street Champions recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce at a virtual Recognition Ceremony today.
Downtown Sanford, Inc. nominated the department for the Main Street Champion recognition due to its "dedication to making downtown a place people want to live, work and play every day," said DSI executive director Kelli Laudate. "The group of men and women who comprise the department work hard and tirelessly to meet its mission to provide essential and quality of life services for the citizens of Sanford in the most courteous, convenient and cost-effective manner," she said.
“There are three common elements that are found in successful communities. These elements are asset based economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, and local champions,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce.
“Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center at Commerce.
Including this year’s group of honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.
Read the N.C. Department of Commerce's announcement about the award here.