Main Streets Matters: Insights from the NC Main Street Program

Join us for a conversation with a panel of experts from the NC Main Street Program! Today, we’re excited to welcome Amy Suggs, Naomi Riley, Charles Halsall, Sherry Adams, and Joy Almond. Amy Suggs is a Main Street Specialist with the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. She works closely with local Main Street programs, facilitating strategic planning and providing technical assistance. Amy is a frequent presenter at the NC Main Street Conference, other statewide trainings, and has shared her expertise at the National Main Street Conference, Main Street Now. Naomi Riley is the NC Main Street Education Coordinator with the NC Department of Commerce. With over 16 years of experience revitalizing communities across North Carolina, she’s known for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and dedication to small businesses. Charles Halsall is a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Regional Planning. He has been with the NC Department of Commerce since 2006, serving in roles from community planner to economic development planner, and joined the NC Main Street team in 2017 as a Main Street Program Specialist. Sherry Adams brings over 35 years of experience in downtown revitalization across North Carolina and beyond. For the past 17+ years, she has served on the NC Main Street team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, helping communities transform their downtowns into thriving economic and cultural centers. Her career spans leadership roles including Main Street Director for Rutherfordton and Burlington, Downtown Development lead in Davidson, and Vice President of Downtown Greensboro Inc. Sherry is passionate about partnerships and collaboration to build vibrant, creative downtown communities. Joy Almond served as the Main Street Manager for the City of Albemarle for eight years. During that time, she implemented the Downtown Albemarle social district, played a key role in developing the Downtown Albemarle Catalyst Grant, and led numerous community-driven events. In December 2024, Joy joined the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center as a Main Street Program Specialist, supporting local Main Street directors to foster community engagement and economic growth. Tune in as they share insights on revitalizing downtowns, supporting local directors, building strategic plans, and turning downtowns into hubs of community, collaboration, and economic vitality. Also be sure to stay tuned for more information on the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference happening from March 10-12. Registration opens January 9th!