Topics Related to Community

N.C. Commerce Is Now Accepting Applications for a New Downtown Free Public Wi-Fi Access Pilot Grant

, N.C.-- North Carolina Commerce is now accepting applications for the Downtown Free Public Wi-Fi Access Pilot Grant Program. Eligible applicants could receive financial resources to expand and enhance free, public Wi-Fi access in downtown business districts throughout western North Carolina. Investments will range from $10,000 to $50,000 dollars. The program seeks to enable communities to create vibrant main streets that allow both visitors and businesses to be digitally connected. The deadline for applications is July 29, 2016.

Laurinburg & Reidsville Named Official Retirement Communities

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Commerce announced today that Laurinburg and Reidsville are officially designated N.C. Certified Retirement Communities.



“North Carolina is a great place to retire and now the cities of Laurinburg and Reidsville have a valuable economic development tool in being named a Certified Retirement Community,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla III. “Retirees can enjoy active productive lives from our mountains to our coast and we recognize the valuable contributions that retirees can make to our communities.”

Initial Class of Downtown Associate Community Participants Chosen

, N.C. -- The North Carolina Main Street Center has selected four municipalities to participate in its new Downtown Associate Community program.  The Town of Aberdeen, the Village of Chimney Rock, the Town of Elon and the City of Laurinburg will take part in the three-year program, which offers training, networking and technical expertise to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000. 

Telecommunications Carriers Extending Broadband to Underserved North Carolina Communities

North Carolina consumers in less populated areas will receive quicker broadband service thanks, in part, to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Connect America Fund (CAF) and participation from four broadband service provider partners. 

Small Town Main Street Communities Gain Main Street Status

igh, N.C. --   Nearly a dozen Small Town Main Street communities have now achieved Main Street status.  Those communities are Ayden, Benson, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Elizabethtown, Tryon, Valdese, Waxhaw and Williamston.  These cities and towns have fulfilled the requirements necessary to achieve this designation such as hiring a permanent Main Street director and organizing their downtown revitalization work in accordance with the Main Street Four-Point® program.

Town of Warrenton Receives Money from Main Street Solutions Fund

North Carolina Commerce announced today that the Town of Warrenton has been awarded up to $50,000 from the Main Street Solutions Fund.



“The North Carolina Main Street Center continues to be a great way to provide assistance to revitalize communities throughout the state,” said Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III. “We are pleased to not only preserve historic buildings in Warrenton but also to help create new jobs.”

North Carolina Communities Receive National Main Street Accreditation for 2015

The National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation has accredited 35 North Carolina communities for meeting performance standards. This year marks a 26% increase in communities that achieved accreditation. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the accredited Main Street® programs that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization.

 

City of Brevard Awarded $200,000 for Downtown Renewal Project

The N.C. Department of Commerce has awarded Brevard, North Carolina up to $200,000 from the Main Street Solutions Fund.  The funds will be used to construct a new office and retail facility located at 43 South Broad Street in downtown Brevard for phase two of the Aethewold Development.  Phase one of the development rehabilitated the historic Aethewold hotel transforming it into residential units and retail space.

Main Street Award Winners Recognized

anton, N.C.-- Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III and Assistant Secretary Dr. Patricia Mitchell are highlighting award winning downtown revitalization efforts at the N.C. Main Street Awards Conference in Morganton tonight.  They will present 23 awards to participants in the N.C. Main Street and Small Town Main Street programs in Morganton’s Municipal Auditorium at 401 S. College Street at 7 p.m.  Award winners are recognized for excellence in downtown revitalization efforts in categories that include promotion, organization, design and economic restructuring.



North Carolina's Main Street Conference Underway with Record Attendance


Morganton, N.C.The Department of Commerce’s NC Main Street Center is hosting its annual N.C. Main Street Conference March 18-20 in Morganton.  This year’s participation exceeds 530 people making it the most attended in the conference’s 14-year history.  The theme – Main Street HAS What It Takes– references both the increased diversity in North Carolina’s downtown districts today and the Main Street program tools that help communities achieve diversified success.