Greater Goldsboro Think Tank G2T2

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation’s Annual Speakers Forum

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation’s Annual Speakers Forum welcomes Chancellor Steve Ballard on February 28th, 2012 at 12:00pm. Light refreshments at 11:30am.

This year’s forum will be held at the Wayne County Court House in Historic Courtroom No. 1

Chancellor Steve Ballard, since his arrival in Greenville in May 2004, has focused on measures designed to enhance East Carolina University’s role as the University For North Carolina. On an array of topics, from student success to research productivity to athletics, he has emphasized excellence and leadership.

While leading the fastest-growing university in North Carolina, Ballard has committed to providing every student with excellent training in the classroom, practical experiences in the community and region, and the opportunity to develop leadership skills. He has hired nationally known leaders in athletics, research, finance, and diversity. He has overseen a record-breaking building boom on campus and the addition of over 500 new faculty positions. New campus facilities under his administration include the East Carolina Heart Institute, the Family Medicine Center, the new School of Dentistry, and over $20 million in new athletic facilities.

His other strategic directions include providing classroom leaders for the 21st century for public schools in North Carolina and the rest of the nation; artistic and cultural leadership; economic development; and medical innovation.

Before joining East Carolina as the university’s tenth chief executive, Ballard served as provost at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Previous academic appointments had taken him from Oklahoma to the East Coast.

Ballard spent his childhood in Galesburg, Illinois, then attended the University of Arizona, where he graduated with distinction in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in history. As shortstop and captain of the University of Arizona baseball team, he earned three varsity letters and played in the College World Series during his senior year.

After earning his doctorate in political science from Ohio State University in 1976, he spent the next two years as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oklahoma. He spent thirteen years on the faculty at Oklahoma and, in 1987, he was named director of the prestigious research center, the Science and Public Policy Program. During the 1980’s, he served on the City Council and in 1986 was elected Mayor Pro-Tempore of Norman, Oklahoma.

In 1989, he moved to the University of Maine as founding director of the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy, a post he held until 1998. While at the University of Maine, he also served as director of the University of Maine System/State Government Partnership Program from 1990 to 1992 and as chair of the Department of Public Administration from 1991 to 1994.

He was recruited to Ohio in 1998 as vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School at Bowling Green State University. Three years later, he was named provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

His teaching and research have centered on leadership in the public sector, research and development and the innovation process, public policy, and the utilization of scientific and technical knowledge. He has authored five books and more than one hundred professional articles and manuscripts on such topics as the innovation process, energy and natural resources, and managing growth and change.

The Paramount Theatre receives Special Recognition from NC Main Street

North Carolina Main Street Best Performing Arts Series Award

Goldsboro’s Paramount Theatre Receives Honor

On Thursday, January 26, Paramount Theatre Director Sherry Archibald, accompanied by DGDC President, Geoff Hulse, received the award for Best Downtown Event Series for the Paramount’s Performing Arts Series at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards program in Clayton. The Paramount was selected by Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation for this special recognition in appreciation of its exceptional contributions to attracting interest to the arts and downtown Goldsboro. Sherry received a certificate commemorating this designation, presented by N.C. Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll, Assistant Secretary for Community Development Henry C. McKoy, Jr. and Urban Development Director Liz Parham.

Each year the NC Main Street Program offers certain award categories to feature exceptional projects throughout the State that demonstrate excellence.

In recommending the Performing Arts Series for this honor, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation offered the following:

The Paramount Theatre contributes to the growth and atmosphere of downtown. Over the past 20 years, researchers have shown that investment in public arts programs, such as community theaters and art centers increases quality of life, helps attract new investment to municipalities, and improves community revitalization efforts by helping create jobs, improve local area image and aesthetic, and promotes community-building. Additionally, many researchers have pointed to “the arts” (theater, fine art, literature, dance, etc., as well as sports and recreation) as a way in which to revitalize America’s urban centers. The Paramount Theatre is doing its part to help revitalize downtown Goldsboro and its performance series attracts local and regional performance goers to downtown. Over the past decade, the Paramount’s reconstruction has helped bring or keep three independent arts organizations to Downtown Goldsboro, and the Arts Council of Wayne County is relocating downtown, in part, to be near to the Paramount. The three existing downtown arts organizations and the Paramount brought more than

55,000 visitors and program participants to downtown in FY 2010-11 and local restaurant owners note a marked increase in traffic on nights that the Paramount has shows and a 10 to 30 percent increase in sales.

The Paramount Performing Art Series adds direct and indirect value by attracting new organizations, attracting new investors, improving the image, aesthetic, and experience of visitors, and helps improve the quality of life for community members through cultural enrichment, community participation, entertainment, volunteer opportunities, and other benefits.

Main Street is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation. The North Carolina Main Street program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Urban Development division in the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Development.

In 1980, North Carolina was one of six original states, selected from 38 that applied, to launch the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center. The North Carolina Main Street program began with five participating cities – New Bern, Salisbury, Shelby, Tarboro and Washington – in September 1980 and has since grown to include 61 communities across the state.

Goldsboro’s Randy Guthrie Honored as a NC Main Street Champion

North Carolina Main Street Champions Recognized
Goldsboro’s Randy Guthrie Among Those Honored

On Thursday, January 26, Randy Guthrie was honored as a 2011 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards program in Clayton. Guthrie was selected by Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation for this special recognition in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Along with Champions from 30 other communities, he received a certificate commemorating this designation, presented by N.C. Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll, Assistant Secretary for Community Development Henry C. McKoy, Jr. and Urban Development Director Liz Parham.

Each of the state’s active Main Street programs is given the opportunity annually to recognize a local Main Street Champion. The dedication and hard work of countless volunteers is required to make a local Main Street program successful, and the Main Street Champion designation acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of those persons who have played pivotal roles in the revitalization of their downtowns.

“A Main Street Champion is the innovative entrepreneur who is bringing fresh ideas to downtown; the reliable volunteer who can be found tending a barbeque cooker at 4:30 a.m. in preparation for a downtown special event; the creative building owner who takes great care to ensure that renovations respect the architectural and historical significance of the structure and the city council member who has worked diligently to preserve and protect the unique, authentic assets of the downtown she calls home. Whether volunteers, business or property owners, corporate citizens, civic leaders, municipal employees or public officials, Main Street Champions are the stewards of downtown, who go the extra mile to restore vibrancy and vitality to the hearts of the communities they love,” said Parham.

In recommending Guthrie for this honor, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation offered the following:

If your city planner is not a supporter of downtown, or well-versed in downtown development, you have a big challenge. Fortunately, Goldsboro Development Services director

Randy Guthrie understands downtown and its relation to the community as he has so often demonstrated.

Randy supported the development and implementation of the downtown master plan, lead the design guidelines project for downtown and transitioning areas, and helped write the application for the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Downtown Zoning Repair Kit services. He has also taken the lead in the professional services design aspect of downtown’s streetscape project. Championing an appeal to the N.C. Department of Insurance, he helped save a restoration project that will allow DGDC to invest in downtown and create new office space for the organization. For that, Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation is particularly grateful.

Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation is honored to recognize Randy Guthrie as a 2011 North Carolina Main Street Champion.

Main Street is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation. The North Carolina Main Street program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Urban Development division in the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Development.

In 1980, North Carolina was one of six original states, selected from 38 that applied, to launch the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center. The North Carolina Main Street program began with five participating cities – New Bern, Salisbury, Shelby, Tarboro and Washington – in September 1980 and has since grown to include 61 communities across the state.

Wednesday at Murphy’s: Tap Takeover and Beer Dinner

Do you love beer? Do you love food? You’re in luck!

Natty Greene’s Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Greensboro, NC, is taking over the taps at Murphy’s Bar and Grill in Downtown Goldsboro this Wednesday, August 17th for a Tap Takeover and Beer Dinner.

For just $35, you’ll get a FIVE COURSE dinner and with each course paired with a different Natty Greene brew!

Call Murphy’s at 735-9225 to reserve your place ASAP! There are only 30 tickets left!

Center Street Jam featuring Legends of Beach – Thursday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Goldsboro is excited to welcome Legends of Beach to the Thursday, August 11, 2011, Center Street Jam. It’s the FINAL Jam of the year, so make sure you stop by and have som fun with us in Downtown Goldsboro!

MEET THE BAND… Legends of Beach, is a group composed of eight musicians, including four former members of the Beach Music group the Embers.

Lead singer, Jackie Gore is the composer and original lead voice on the beach music classic, “I Love Beach Music.” Other former Embers are Gerald Davis, and Johnny Barker, who wrote the beach music classic, “Summertime’s Calling Me.” Additional musicians are Tony Davis, drums and vocals; Pat Carpenter, guitar and vocals;  Eddie Blair, sax and vocals, and Steve Davis, sound technician. Recently joining the group is Jackie’s daughter, Terri Gore Lemonds on lead vocals, well known throughout the Carolinas for her many beach music hits.

The group plays the beach music classics they were known for in the ’80′s and ’90′s, as well as some brand new original beach music songs. 

 A crowd favorite, we’re excited to welcome Legends of Beach to Goldsboro! Center Street Jams are held at 138 S. Center Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, across the street from the Paramount Theater. The show runs from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is FREE! Beer is $2, and food and soft drinks are also available. For more information, please contact the DGDC at (919) 735-4959. If you would like up-to-the minute updates on weather cancellations, news, and events, “Like” us on Facebook.

Historic Home PENDING: 404 Park Ave.

The DGDC is excited to announce that we are under contract for one of our beautiful historic Goldsboro properties! The historic Maxwell home at 404 Park Avenue is set to close early next month!

Built in 1895, the Maxwell Family Home is a single story home that features an unfinished bonus room in the attic space. This 3-bedroom home remains unaltered in its interior floor plan with the exception of an added kitchen to the rear. The front door is bordered by a transom and sidelights adding to its curb appeal from the exterior and natural light on the interior. The home features a formal dining room, a grand staircase, and multiple fireplaces.  High ceilings throughout allow for a maximum amount of light in the house. The large front porch also adds to the charm of this property. The home as approximately 1,946 heated square feet and sits on 0.4 acres. 

Center Street Jam featuring The Embers – Thursday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Goldsboro is excited to welcome The Embers to the Thursday, July 28, 2011, Center Street Jam sponsored by BB&T and Frema Motors.

MEET THE BAND…

The Embers, based in Eastern NC, have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul for decades.

Named North Carolina’s Official Musical Ambassadors, they were inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. They’ve opened for the Rolling Stones, done commercials for Budweiser, performed for the Olympics, President Clinton’s inauguration ball and created the soundtrack for endless summers. A crowd favorite, we’re excited to welcome The Embers back to Goldsboro!

Center Street Jams are held at 138 S. Center Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, across the street from the Paramount Theater. The show runs from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is FREE! Beer is $2, and food and soft drinks are also available.

For more information, please contact the DGDC at (919) 735-4959. If you would like up-to-the minute updates on weather cancellations, news, and events, “Like” us on Facebook.

Free house! Win the Molly Smith Thompson house

The national home restoration and renovation magazine This Old House is giving away the historic Molly Smith Thompson house in Downtown Goldsboro!

Price: Free (if you win it)

Molly Smith Thompson house

Location: Goldsboro, N.C.

Value: $45,790

The sturdy Molly Smith Thompson House was built in 1901… Over the years, the 3,804-square-foot clapboard Queen Anne became a boarding house, and now needs your help to restore it to its former glory…..

Enter the contest today!

Center Street Jam featuring Spare Change – Thursday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Downtown Goldsboro is excited to welcome Spare Change to the Thursday, July 14, 2011, Center Street Jam sponsored by Holt Equipment.

MEET THE BAND…

Spare Change, based in LaGrange NC, got their start in 2002 as a four-piece band made up of a group of friends. Traveling throughout the southeast, this band grew into what is today one of the most sought after bands in the market.

Spare Change has grown to be a favorite for festivals, corporate parties, wedding receptions, nightclubs and more! They energize every function with their diverse selection of music.  From rock, country, beach, funk, rap and classic rock, Spare Change is sure to play a favorite of all persons attending. 

A crowd favorite, we’re excited to welcome Spare Change back to Goldsboro!

Center Street Jams are held at 138 S. Center Street in Goldsboro, North Carolina, across the street from the Paramount Theater. The show runs from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Admission is FREE! Beer is $2, and food and soft drinks are also available.

For more information, please contact the DGDC at (919) 735-4959. If you would like up-to-the minute updates on weather cancellations, news, and events, “Like” us on Facebook.