To the Editor:

The Town of Belhaven applied for a grant to obtain a Small Town Main Street (STMS) designation in 2013. We were fortunate to be one of tow towns selected for this honor in the state. The Town oversees this project with the N.C. Department of Commerce, which offers resources for design, economic development, event and most all areas to improve downtown districts in our smaller towns.

We are proud of the achievements STMS is making in Belhaven. Our first project was to secure a Commercial Historic District designation for downtown. The Town is currently installing new welcome banners, purchased by STMS, which will fly from the utility poles. Benches and trashcans have been selected for the downtown area, and we plan to begin buying them this fall. STMS is sponsoring a free course for employees of retail businesses, “Successfully Selling Skills,” offered in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. Riddick & Windley employees recently completed this course and are very pleased with the results.

Our committees are busy working on additional projects for the future to continue the improvement of downtown’s main streets. We are proud to have been chosen to be part of the North Carolina’s Dept. of Commerce Main Street program. Come visit us and see for yourself.

 

Karen N. Wahab

Belhaven