Special to Iredell Free News
Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 21, at the Statesville Civic Center.
New Officers
The following officers were approved for 2023-2024: Doug Hendrix of blueharbor bank as chairman, Jennifer Grant of Stantec Consulting as secretary and Joshua Speer of Norris, Stewart & Ralston as treasurer.
New Board Members
Three new Board Members were elected to three-year terms. They included Emilio Lopez of State Farm Insurance, Kevin Hollifield of Jenkins Cleaners, and Marin Tomlin of Allen Tate Realtors.
Year in Review
DSDC Community Engagement Manager Liz Petree delivered comments on behalf of Executive Director Brittany Marlow, who was unable to attend the meeting.
The past 12 months, Petree said, has been “a banner year for growth” in the downtown district with private investments exceeding $15 million and 22 new businesses opening in the district.
“Without the support of our mayor, city council, city staff, property owners, business owners, and volunteers, we would not have had the successes that we are now celebrating, most of which are many years in the making,” Petree said. “We have a vibrant downtown that is truly the heart of our community.”
She pointed to two events that have showcased community involvement and investment in the district — the 2023 N.C. Main Street Conference and the April fire that destroyed three businesses.
“For the N.C. Main Street Conference, each and every one of our partner organizations stepped up in a huge way, clearing their schedules and offering their time, resources, and expertise to help us host more than 750 people from across the United States,” Petree said. “Our volunteers were the stars of the show, filling nearly 120 volunteer spots and giving our guests the most warm Statesville welcome you can imagine.”
The way the community rallied after the fire was equally telling, she said.
“First and foremost, the Statesville Fire Department and the additional fire departments that were on scene — we can never appropriately thank them for the work they did to stop this fire where and when they did, potentially saving the entire block of historic buildings and the livelihoods of so many,” Petree said. “City staff were dotting the sidewalks consistently for weeks following the fire, doing their best to support business and property owners affected by the fire while ensuring the safety of downtown patrons and keeping business running normally as much as possible.
“Our business and property owners showed up for one another in a huge way, keeping one another fed, hydrated, giving displaced employees and business owners space to work. Even the number of people coming out to simply lend a caring embrace and words of support was astounding.”
New Businesses
Twenty-two new businesses were recognized for their investment and contribution to the economic vitality of Downtown Statesville. The new businesses are:
♦ Alan Carpenter, PA – 316 East Broad Street (Alan Carpenter)
♦ Alluvia HOA Management – 118-B West Broad Street (Pam Stanley)
♦ Autumn Hope Counseling – 119 North Tradd Street, Suite A (Chris Bumgarner)
♦ Center Stage Alliance – 139. East Broad Street (Mykel Myers)
♦ Fidelity Law Group – 211 Walnut Street (John Riordan, Jonathan Shbeeb, Lance Edmonds)
♦ FTW Gaming – 112 West Broad Street (Eddie Lovaglio)
♦ Infinite Space – 317 South Mulberry Street (Tess Hogna & V Heidenreich)
♦ Jennifer Morrison Interiors – 203 West Broad Street (Jennifer Morrison)
♦ Miss Make Art – 111 South Center Street, Suite 108 (Ali Levis)
♦ Morris & Fox Attorneys at Law – 121 North Center Street, Suite 101 (Tome Morris & Heather Fox)
♦ One Eleven Salon – 111 Water Street (Erica Walker)
♦ Rachel’s Crafty Corner – 106 Court Street (Rachel & Bryan Gaitlin)
♦ SKJ Barber Shop – 232 West Broad Street (Lynn Jones)
♦ Sow Media – 215 West Broad Street (Isaias Sanchez)
♦ Statesville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (328 East Broad Street, Suite 101)
♦ The Elm Airbnb – 207 South Elm Street (Ron & Cheryl Matthews)
♦ The George Vintage & Design – 212 South Center Street (Teri Brake)
♦ The Hive Airbnb – 307 East Broad Street (Brandon & Cindy Sutton)
♦ The Vanilla Bean Bakery & Coffee Shop – 127 West Broad Street (Emily & Parker Noland)
♦ The Watering Hole – 226 West Broad Street (Eric & Joanna Gerchak)
♦ Theatre Statesville – 109 West Broad Street (Caity Gordon)
♦ Wicked Wardrobe – 109 East Broad Street (Chrystal Johns)
About Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC)
Downtown Statesville Development Corporation (DSDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization charged with administering the Main Street program for Statesville and whose mission is to champion, promote and lead Downtown Statesville as the economic, social and cultural engine in the region. This is achieved in collaboration with public-private partners working together to enhance the appearance, desirability and vitality of downtown. Visit www.downtownstatesville.com for details.