Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. to select award recipients
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on July 13, 2016 1:46 PM
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. is gearing up for its largest annual event by selecting award winners that will be recognized in September.
Downtown business owners, volunteers and investors will all be recognized during the DGDC Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony scheduled for Sept. 23 at Union Station on North Carolina Street.
"In my opinion, it is the most important and meaningful event that we host," said Julie Metz, DGDC director. "The annual dinner and awards ceremony is our reason to pause and reflect, provide an opportunity to celebrate by acknowledging the efforts made by those that have made significant impacts to downtown and sets the tone for next year."
DGDC leaders plan to focus on accomplishments of the past year and set goals for the upcoming year, Metz said. The DGDC board, a nonprofit, volunteer organization, supports the city's downtown development staff and works to promote the area and support a variety of events and activities each year.
Invitations for the ticketed event will be mailed in early August, and winners of the awards will be announced during the award ceremony. The rain location is the Goldsboro Event Center.
"Our favorite part is the awards ceremony because we get to formally say 'thank you' to the nominees for all they have done to contribute to the successes of downtown and our community, while sharing their individual contributions to making downtown more relevant and desirable," Metz said.
Three downtown businesses are being considered for the DGDC's most prestigious award -- Outstanding Business of the Year. Uniquely R's captured the award in 2015.
This year's nominees include Carolina Pine Country Store, the Royall Barber Shop and Ed's Southern Food and Spirits. The businesses were nominated if they have been open at least one year and reflect the goals of downtown by exhibiting a friendly, attractive and unique business.
DGDC will present several merit awards and other special recognitions.
The Mary Johnstone Award of Merit for Historic Preservation will be presented to a property owner that best renovated or restored a property to historic standards. The nominees this year are the Goldsboro Drug Co., and renovation projects at 201 S. Center St., 407 S. William St. and 305 W. Mulberry St.
The DGDC Volunteer of the Year award will be presented to one of this year's nominees, which include Jinny Lyon, Tom and Dawn Potter and Viola Figeuroa.
The DGDC Design Improvement award will be presented to a person or business that made significant design improvements during the past year. The nominees include the Goldsboro Drug Co., Dancing Butterfly, United Church Ministries and the owners of 201 S. Center St.
Viola Figeuroa, Kathy Cornelison, Catherine LeChot and the Wayne Community College Small Business Center are being considered for the DGDC Advocate of the Year award.
The DGDC board will recognize one of its own with the DGDC Board Member of the Year award, which recognizes the board member that makes outstanding efforts in promoting downtown through advocacy, support and volunteer efforts. The nominees include Regina Lesnau, Tonya Barber and Beverly Wallace-Wiggins.
The Outstanding Investor award, which recognizes a property owner who has made a significant financial investment in downtown, will be presented to one of this year's nominees. Recommended for the award are David Ham and Betty Duncan, for 201 S. Center St.; Jim and Jeff Daniels, for 101 N. Center St.; Selena and Adrian Worrell, for 201 N. Center St.; and Dr. Matt Wilding, for 206 E. Mulberry St.
This year's Most Valuable Supporter nominees include Jernigan Furniture, the Dancing Butterfly and Majestic Photography. The award recognizes an annual sponsor who exceeded expectations through donations and other DGDC assistance.
The DGDC will also present several special recognitions for Best Curb Appeal, Best Promotional or Marketing Effort, Best New Business, Indicator of the Year, and the Thank You Award.
The Thank You Award, given for any cause the DGDC wishes to recognize, will be presented to a group of local downtown photographers or to Brig. Gen. Mark Slocum, former commander of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base 4th Figher Wing.
The nominees for Best Curb Appeal are The Peach Boutique and Carolina Pine Country Store; Best Promotional or Marketing Effort are the Legacy Dance Project and Dancing Butterfly partnership for Thriller Night and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce; and Indicator of the Year are John Street Properties and Chiropractic Advantage.
The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp. will also recognize the Best New Business. This year's nominees are Jay's Burgers and Sushi and The Peach Boutique.