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The North Carolina Department of Commerce recognized 42 individuals and organizations at the N.C. Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony on March 12 in New Bern. Nominated by their respective Main Street communities, these award winners are honored for their commitment to downtown revitalization and building strong communities in 2025.
"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."
With the addition of this year's honorees, the total number of Main Street Champions reaches 1,004 recipients since 2000. This ceremony is part of the annual N.C. Main Street Conference, the nation's largest statewide downtown revitalization conference.
"Each Champion is a catalyst for progress while bringing energy and commitment to the heart of our downtowns - turning challenges into opportunities and ensuring rural North Carolina thrives," said Reginald Speight, Commerce's Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development. "Their work creates places where people want to build their lives and businesses for generations to come."
"Recognizing Main Street Champions is one of the most meaningful traditions of our conference," said Liz Parham, Director, N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center. "They truly demonstrate the theme of this year's event, 'Inspiring Impactful Change', and their efforts leave a lasting impact on the places they call home."
Christy Houser - Rutherfordton was named a local 2025 N.C. Main Street Champion.
The N.C. Main Street Program is celebrating 46 years of revitalizing communities across North Carolina and 25 years of delivering impactful education through the N.C. Main Street Conference. From Murphy to Manteo, the program has strengthened downtown districts using the proven Main Street Approach™ to revitalization, developed by Main Street America which has equipped local leaders with the tools and strategies to foster vibrant, economically resilient communities statewide.
Learn more about the N.C. Main Street Champions recognition program by visiting https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/ncmainstreetchampions.
More about Christy Houser from NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center
"Downtown Rutherfordton has always felt like home to me--it's where hard work, creativity, and community spirit come together," says Christy Houser, owner of Mill Hill General Store and President of Rutherford Town Rising.
"I wanted to create something that felt nostalgic and needed; a place that reflects who we are as a community," she shares. That dream became reality when she and her family restored a historic Main Street building--now home to Mill Hill General Store, a downtown favorite known for its warmth and local charm.
As President of Rutherford Town Rising, Christy brings that same energy to everything she does. "What I love most about Rutherfordton is the pride people take in this town," she says. "We're growing and evolving, but we've never lost sight of our roots."
She doesn't just invest in downtown, but inspires others to believe in it, too.
For her optimism, leadership, and deep love for her community, Rutherfordton honors Christy Houser as its 2025 Main Street Champion.
