The Town of Smithfield Public Works Department was honored as Smithfield’s 2018 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Ceremony held in Salisbury.
The Public Works Department was selected by the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation for this special recognition in appreciation of their hard work and commitment to the success of Downtown Smithfield. Along with Champions from 42 other communities, they received a certificate and medal commemorating this designation, presented by North Carolina Commerce Chief Deputy Secretary Liz Crabill and North Carolina Commerce Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Kenny Flowers.
“Every city and town needs a Champion – someone that will step up and invest time and money in the community, improve the quality of life and grow economic vibrancy throughout the state,” said N.C. Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland. “Commerce is so pleased, each year, to recognize those individuals that are making a difference in their communities.”
“The key to the success of the local Main Street program is its people, those individuals that take extraordinary pride in their downtown revitalization initiatives and the vitality of their community and are willing to go the extra mile for success. Those individuals have earned the title ‘Main Street Champion’. They are local elected officials and staff, community leaders, downtown business owners and employees, and program volunteers. They give 110% and then ask, what’s next?”, said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
In recommending the Public Works Department for this honor, the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation offered the following:
“You know how some people put in the essential hard work, do not look for recognition, and can always be counted on? Smithfield is very fortunate to have a group of these people in the Town of Smithfield’s Public Works Department. The keep Downtown Smithfield looking great, whether they’re installing flags and banners, or keeping it clean. They are instrumental in Downtown Smithfield events, working before and afterward to get downtown back to normal soon after an event that attracts thousands. When it snows, they’re among the first people downtown, shoveling sidewalks so that businesses can open. They can even be found out in the middle of a hurricane, checking on downtown. Although their work is often not seen by the public, their contributions to Downtown Smithfield are of tremendous importance, and are very much appreciated. That is why they are North Carolina Main Street Champions!”
“We are so proud to recognize the Public Works Department for their important contributions to the success of Downtown Smithfield,” stated Sarah Edwards, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation.
