Mooresville – Forty-seven individuals and organizations were honored as Main Street Champions at a recognition ceremony Thursday, celebrating their outstanding contributions to downtown revitalization and community building in 2024.
Patrick Keenan and Matt Wright of Murphy were among the 2024 N.C. Main Street Champions. With the addition of this year’s recipients, the N.C. Department of Commerce has recognized a total of 962 Main Street Champions since 2000.
The ceremony is a key highlight of the annual N.C. Main Street Conference, the nation’s largest statewide downtown revitalization gathering.
Keenan is owner, and Wright is manager, of Buck Bald Brewing. They exemplify a deep commitment to downtown Murphy through charity events and ongoing involvement.
Through their brewery, Keenan and Wright have created a welcoming space, where both locals and visitors can gather, enjoy live music and give back to the community, according to Downtown Murphy. Their passion for promoting the vibrant local culture shines through in their enthusiasm and hands-on approach.
One of the pair’s signature contributions is the annual Murphy Music & Brews event, organized by Buck Bald Brewing and Shepherd’s Men. This event raises money to provide free treatment at the Shepherd Center for veterans with traumatic brain injuries. To date, it has raised more than $100,000.
Beyond Murphy Music & Brews, Keenan and Wright are champions of collaboration. They regularly partner with community organizations to enrich Murphy’s cultural fabric. Their commitment to inclusivity, from hosting charity fundraisers to organizing family friendly gatherings, underscores their desire to make Murphy a stronger, more unified community.
“They are a shining example of how small business owners can drive positive change,” said Laura Lachance, downtown development director.
“For their leadership, passion and community-centered initiatives, Murphy is proud to honor Keenan and Wright as its 2024 N.C. Main Street Champions."
“Main Street Champions are dynamic leaders who drive progress within their communities,” N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said in a release. “These visionary individuals identify opportunities for growth and development that transform the fabric of local economies and neighborhoods.”
“Main Street Champions are committed to economic development in our rural communities,” said Kenny Flowers, commerce’s assistant secretary of rural economic development. “They advocate for programs that make our communities the best that they can be.”
“Honoring Main Street Champions is a storied tradition for our annual conference,” said Liz
Parham, director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
“A champion is an exemplary definition of a leader, that plays a key role in creating livable, lovable communities, which epitomizes the theme of this year’s conference.”
The N.C. Main Street program is celebrating its 45th anniversary of improving downtown districts from Murphy to Manteo through the proven Main Street Approach to revitalization developed by Main Street America.
Details: Visit ncmainstreetandplanning.com/ncmainstreetchampions.