City of Lenoir City Council recognized the City’s Parks & Public Properties Division employees as Downtown Lenoir’s 2025 Main Street Champions during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The Main Street Champion award goes to people who make a significant positive impact in their downtown and go above and beyond to make their community better.
Mayor Joe Gibbons said the Public Works Department, which includes Parks & Public Properties, is the glue that holds the city together.
“We are honored to present our Parks & Public Properties Division of the City of Lenoir with this award,” Mayor Gibbons said. “Their commitment to the beautification and upkeep of Downtown Lenoir is evident every single day. From maintaining our sidewalks, trimming greenery, landscaping public spaces, and planting seasonal flowers throughout downtown, their work makes a visible difference in the appearance and pride in our community.”
With the addition of this year’s honorees, the total number of Main Street Champions has reached 1,004 recipients since 2000.
“Main Street Champions embody the spirit of possibility,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “They turn concepts into action, energize local economies, and inspire others to invest in the future of their communities. The dedication of our champions ensures that North Carolina’s downtowns remain vibrant places where history meets progress.”
The 2025 N.C. Main Street Champions are:
- Pam Poplin – Albemarle
- Reynolds Lisk – Asheboro
- Doris Conner – Ayden
- Brian Frederick and Kristina Bulovic – Belmont
- Jill Puett – Cherryville
- Mary Rose – Clinton
- Karen Foley – Edenton
- Breanne Scribner and Lindsey Lynam – Elizabeth City
- Graham “Bear” Ray – Elkin
- Kimberly Holt – Elon
- Fuquay-Varina Public Works Department – Fuquay-Varina
- Joyce Stephens – Garner
- Todd Walker – Goldsboro
- Mayor Barbara Volk – Hendersonville
- Jay Brown – Hickory
- Lenoir Parks and Public Properties Division – Lenoir
- Tommy and Gidget Vickers – Lumberton
- Walt Bagwell – Marion
- Peyton Rice Fuqua – Mebane
- Sheila Crunkleton – Monroe
- Alan and Dawn Allman – Mooresville
- Tony Holloway – Morehead City
- Wendy Cato – Morganton
- Warner Dodson – Mount Airy
- Victoria Ivie – Murphy
- New Bern Parks & Recreation Department – New Bern
- Maura Johnston – Newton
- Christopher and Amanda Cook – Pilot Mountain
- Mayor Kyle Shipp – Pittsboro
- Eden Combs – Reidsville
- Saundra Shoe – Roxboro
- Christy Houser – Rutherfordton
- Rosalind Hines – Salisbury
- Chef Gregg Hamm – Sanford
- Rick Howell – Shelby
- Todd Johnson – Smithfield
- Kelli Simko and John Walker – Statesville
- Julie Donaldson – Sylva
- Ann Welton – Wake Forest
- Warren and Katherine Allen – Washington
- Grant Goings – Wilson
- Nicole and Brandon McCraney – Zebulon
