During the annual North Carolina Main Street Conference, held on March 12 - 14, 2024, in Goldsboro, N.C., twelve communities and forty Main Street Champions were honored at the Awards Ceremonies for their outstanding contributions to downtown revitalization and community building.
“We are so pleased to recognize the people that are making a difference in Main Street communities,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center. “Main Street Champions come from all walks of life, but they share common traits. They roll up their sleeves, invest time and money in their communities, and lead by example.”
At the ceremonies, Waxhaw took great pride in acknowledging Matt Hubert, Todd Matthews, and Moe Nassiri as its 2023 North Carolina Main Street Champions.
Their tireless efforts on the Downtown Pedestrian Improvement Project have earned them this well-deserved recognition. The Downtown Pedestrian Improvement Project included the installation of a total of 20 crosswalks, 24 handicap-accessible ramps, 2,300 linear feet of sidewalks, and 1,800 linear feet of curbing.
Matt Hubert, Assistant Town Manager and Engineering Director, played a crucial role in the successful completion of the project. His leadership and ability to overcome various challenges over the course of seven years were instrumental in achieving this significant milestone. Todd Matthews, the Town of Waxhaw Public Services Director, demonstrated commitment to maintaining accessibility throughout the construction phase, ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of the community. Moe Nassiri, the local contractor, facilitated collaboration among all stakeholders on a daily basis and provided valuable support to downtown businesses.
As a result of their hard work, Waxhaw now boasts a safer, more walkable, and pedestrian-friendly environment that benefits both its businesses and residents. Additionally, the project itself received a prestigious NC Main Street Award during the conference.
“Successful economic development depends on community development -- and that begins with the people that call North Carolina home,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce. “Main Street Champions embody that connection, channeling their love for their community into strategic economic partnerships and initiatives, and ultimately creating healthier downtown districts.”
Waxhaw is incredibly fortunate to have these dedicated stewards who have gone above and beyond to greatly enhance the safety, strength, health, and beauty of Downtown Waxhaw.
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA MAIN STREET CONFERENCE
The North Carolina Main Street Conference, organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, is the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the United States. This three-day annual conference attracts a diverse array of attendees, including downtown economic development professionals, elected officials, local government staff, rural leaders, volunteers, business and property owners, and consultants. Participants have the opportunity to gain fresh ideas, valuable insights, and innovative approaches to effectively enhance revitalization efforts in their respective communities.
ABOUT DOWNTOWN WAXHAW
Waxhaw was designated as a Small-Town Main Street Community in 2009, joining the movement of North Carolina communities committed to revitalizing their downtown areas. In 2015, Waxhaw achieved full Main Street Program designation and was nationally accredited by the National Main Street Center in 2023. To assist in managing the main street program and preserving and promoting Downtown Waxhaw, the non-profit organization, Downtown Waxhaw Association, was incorporated in December 2022.
As a Main Street Community, the Town of Waxhaw and the Downtown Waxhaw Association, Inc. work together to implement preservation-based economic development strategies using the Main Street Approach™. This approach is designed to enhance the economic well-being and overall quality of life in downtown Waxhaw.
For more information, please contact Ashley Nowell, Executive Director, at anowell@waxhaw.com.
