Hickory’s Main Street champion recognized

SHELBY, NC (March 22, 2017)…Main Street Champions, individuals who work and advocate for downtown revitalization across the state, were recognized for their commitment during an awards ceremony breakfast in Shelby last week during the North Carolina Main Street Conference.

“Downtown districts are important economic engines in our state,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “The men and women we’re recognizing today are the people who keep those engines running, generating prosperity for communities all across North Carolina.”

“This year’s Champions represent Main Street board members and volunteers, elected officials and city employees, developers, entrepreneurs, artists and leaders of the local food economy,” said Liz Parham, director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center.

Hickory Downtown Development Association (HDDA) named Tammy Panther as Hickory’s 2016 Main Street Champion for many reasons. Tammy Panther is an exemplary downtown business owner, newspaper editor, and downtown volunteer.

Panther owns and operates Focus Newspaper. She designs all of HDDA’s promotional posters, invitations, and display ads. She has taken Downtown Hickory’s marketing materials to another level of quality.Panther created the Focus APP for downtown and the surrounding metropolitan area. It is the “Go To” spot on your phone to learn what’s happening in Hickory. HDDA and the City of Hickory use the Focus APP as a link from their websites.

Panther currently serves as Past-President and current Treasurer of the HDDA Board of Directors. She attends all meetings, volunteers many hours during downtown events, and works countless hours behind the scenes for successful downtown programs and events. Tammy is always cheerful, positive thinking, imaginative, and innovative.

Today, the Main Street Center celebrates 37th anniversary as the state’s leading resource in downtown economic development.