Thirty-nine North Carolina communities are celebrating accreditation for 2017 in the National Main Street Center program for meeting or exceeding performance standards in commercial district revitalization last year. A press release from the N.C. Department of Commerce lists them: Belmont, Boone, Brevard, Cherryville, Clinton, Concord, Eden, Edenton, Elkin, Garner, Goldsboro, Hendersonville, Hickory, Kings Mountain, Lenoir, Lexington, Lumberton, Marion, Monroe, Morganton, North Wilkesboro, Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount, Roxboro, Rutherfordton, Salisbury, Sanford, Shelby, Smithfield, Spruce Pine, Statesville, Sylva, Tryon, Valdese, Wake Forest, Waxhaw, Waynesville, Williamston, and Wilson.
The accreditations are announced annually based on measures met. "Strong, thriving main streets are a key in ensuring strong communities, especially in rural parts of the state,” said Anthony Copeland, the state's commerce secretary. “We’re proud that our Main Street communities have been recognized on a national level for their achievements. These local programs assist communities in bringing jobs and businesses to their downtowns, which helps overall communities enjoy a healthier, more robust economy.” (Separately, many more stories of local investment and subsequent economic success are found at herewegrow.org, where you can contribute stories from your town).