DGDC gala only weeks away
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on September 5, 2017 5:50 AM
Downtown Goldsboro's business of the year, significant investors, advocates and other supporters will be recognized during the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corp.'s upcoming annual banquet.
The DGDC is gearing up for its largest event of the year and has selected nominees for a dozen awards that will be presented during the Sept. 22 event.
The invitation-only awards ceremony and dinner will take place from 6:15 to 9 p.m. on the lawn of the historic Goldsboro Union Station on North Carolina Street.
"This is my favorite event of the year because it requires that I take time to reflect, something I do not do often," said Julie Metz, Goldsboro downtown development and DGDC director.
"And, in that time of reflection, I always am astounded by the amount of people that have contributed to downtown's success or achievements over that past year.
"The annual dinner and awards ceremony is our attempt to honor all of those individuals from our sponsors, business owners, property owners to our community leaders, partners and general supporters: the people that are making positive changes for the community and downtown."
Several businesses are being considered for the DGDC's most prestigious award -- Outstanding Business of the Year -- which was presented to the owner of the Carolina Pine Country Store, Kathy Cornelison, in 2016.
Nominated for this year's award are Jay's Sushi and Burger Bar, the Terrace Room, The Laughing Owl and the Worrell Contracting Co. The businesses were selected based on award criteria, including being open at least a year and reflecting the goals of downtown by exhibiting a friendly, attractive and unique business.
The DGDC, a nonprofit, volunteer organization that supports downtown revitalization, also plans to present merit awards and other special recognitions during the event.
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 Sergio Sanchez, for development efforts at 141 N. Center St., and Chris and Bethany Mohr, owners of Blue Yonder Properties, for development at 205, 207 and 209 N. John St. One of the properties, 207 N. John St., is the current location of Goldsboro Brew Works, which opened in late 2016.
The DGDC Volunteer of the Year award will be presented to one of this year's nominees, which include Amy Bauer, George Anderson, the Mayor's Youth Council and Sam Jernigan.
Several newer businesses will be considered for this year's Best Design Improvement award, including Goldsboro Brew Works, Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, at 300 S. Center St., the Green Thumb Florist, located at 103 W. Chestnut St., and Tobacco and Hops, at 112 W. Chestnut St. The award will be presented to a person or business that made significant design improvements during the past year.
Several nominees are being considered for the DGDC Advocate of the Year award, including Ashlin Glatthar, Goldsboro-Wayne Travel and Tourism director, Bethany Perry, who served on the DGDC design and public art steering committees, Dustin Pike, president of the Downtown Goldsboro Merchants Association and owner of Tobacco and Hops, Wendy Walker, Arts Council of Wayne County executive director, and Rep. John Bell, a Republican representing District 10, which includes Wayne County.
The DGDC board will also recognize one of its own with the DGDC Board Member of the Year award. The award is presented to a board member who is an outstanding volunteer, supporter and advocate in promoting downtown. The nominees include Bobby Boyd, Kathy Cornelison and Tonya Barber.
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 Chris and Bethany Mohr for 205, 207, 209 and 215 N. John St., Mike Wiggins for the Bicycle World and Outdoor Shoppe, and Rick Sumner for 103 W. Chestnut St.
This year's Most Valuable Supporter nominees include the Funky Fresh Food Truck, Jernigan Furniture and The Elks Lodge. 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 one of two groups -- the cast and crew of the "Father of the Bride," an independent DGDC fundraising effort, or Juanita Mansour and Nita Mosure for their donation of 130 E. Walnut St.
The East Walnut Street building was donated to the DGDC in 2014 and later sold to a private investor who renovated the building and created commercial space on the first floor and apartments on the second floor, Rutland said. The project resulted in the creation of a new business, three jobs and a three-bedroom apartment in a previously vacant building.
Nominees for this year's Best Curb Appeal are the Bicycle World and Outdoor Shoppe and Skin Therapy by Beth; Best Promotional or Marketing Effort are Pink Piggy Sweets and Well Travelled Beer; and Indicator of the Year are Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Strickland Insurance company.
Downtown's Best New Business will also be recognized with the nominees including 130 Red Boutique, Bicycle World and Outdoor Shoppe, Goldsboro Brew Works, Nashona Boutique and Off Center Pizzeria.
The rain location for the annual event is planned at the Goldsboro Event Center, at 1501 S. Slocumb St.