Downtown Development Association holds annual awards ceremony
Local businesses in downtown Morganton had a reason to celebrate when they were awarded for their hard work at the annual Downtown Development Association Awards on June 20th at Swede’s Café.
The objective of the Morganton DDA Downtown Distinguished Awards is to recognize, honor and spotlight the members businesses that have excelled and shined over the course of the year. To be eligible for the DDA Awards, the business must have been open from July 1, 2022 to March 1, 2023. The business must be a current DDA member.
Kahly Antal at Thistle and Twig won the Picture Perfect Award. This award recognizes excellence in a Morganton DDA Member Business that consistently creates an attractive, inviting and vibrant presence in our community with unique storefronts, seasonal themes, and welcoming views to those whose pass by.
Benjamin Belton with Benjamin and Libba’s won the With the Cherry on Top Award. This award recognizes excellence in a Morganton DDA Member Business that reflects and offers a customer service that exceeds the expectation of the customer.
Linda Knollmeyer with The Olive of Morganton won the Breath of Fresh Air Award. This award recognizes excellence in a Morganton DDA Member Business that has offered an event or program open to the public that is innovative, fun and contributes to the vitality of our downtown community.
Last, but not least the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Judy Willis, who has been a volunteer with the Historic Morganton Festival for many years and is currently the President of the HMF. Willis served on the Main Street Advisory Committee from its inception in 1995. She also served on the first master plan steering committee that gave the City of Morganton the 1997 Masterplan that helped bring forth many things the city has today. She is one of the first property owners to invest in renovating a second floor into housing. Ashley Willis Bunner, Judy’s niece presented the award to her.
Willis said, “It really meant a lot to me. I grew up in this town and contributed my time to the city to help it grow. It was overwhelming when I received the award. I couldn’t hardly say anything. I love this town.”
Kasey Goodfellow, community events coordinator for the Main Street Department said, “Judy is and has been a treasure for Historic Morganton Festival and the entire Downtown for many years. Her sense of humor, dedication, determination and willingness to give her all, makes her the type of team member, leader and friend that anyone would want to have!”
Sharon Jablonski, director of Cultural and Creative Development, said “She has always been a cheerleader for all things downtown and has been one whom the Main Street office and myself have leaned on for years. In addition to being a dear friend.”
