DGDC honors top supporters at banquet
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on September 22, 2012 11:41 PM
Downtown Goldsboro's celebration of its accomplishments in the past year was unusually festive Friday evening as those gathered for the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. Awards Banquet found much to be proud of, especially as Mayor Al King announced that Mulberry Street and the Ash Street roundabout had been paved as the Center Street Streetscape Project begins to draw nearer to its Nov. 5 completion date.
Standing just blocks away from the work site of the city's signature downtown revitalization project, a collection of downtown business owners, supporters and stakeholders came together beneath the stars on the Wayne County Courthouse lawn to honor those who have contributed the most to the city's downtown in the past year.
DGDC President Geoff Hulse opened the evening by addressing downtown's accomplishments since last fall's banquet and the challenges that still face it, saying there was plenty to be proud of.
DGDC Director Julie Metz and Promotions Coordinator Meg Gernaat highlighted the special recognition awards for businesses. The following businesses were recognized for business accomplishments in design, economic restructuring, organization and promotion:
* Best Curb Appeal -- The Cain Gallery
* Best Promotional or Marketing Effort -- Elite Fashions
* Best New Business -- The Ice Storm
* Indicator of the Year -- Thistle Bee Quilt Shoppe
* Thank You Award --Pastime Billiards.
The duo also presented nominees and winners of the organization's traditional awards, which honor the DGDC's volunteer, advocate, board member, investor, supporter and business of the year. The following were recognized:
* Volunteer of the Year -- Bill Edgerton
* Advocate of the Year -- Roy Parker III
* Board Member of the Year -- Ed Swindell
* Outstanding Investor -- Chip Zwerling
* Most Valuable Supporter -- Wells Fargo
* Outstanding Business of the Year -- Torero's.
Special recognition was also given to outgoing board member Martha Bryan, who received the organization's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A longtime member of the board and former chairperson of the Promotions Committee, Mrs. Bryan was honored for her lifetime of commitment to Goldsboro and downtown.