Tag Archive for: #hendersondowntowndevelopment

Cordell Motorcade To Pass By Fire Departments, City Hall Friday

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The funeral service for Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3.

Beginning at 12 noon, however, a motorcade will accompany Fire Engine 5, which will transport Cordell’s coffin from Sossamon Funeral Home to South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church.

According to Downtown Development Director Tracy Madigan, the motorcade route will pass by both city fire stations as it makes its way from the funeral home to the church.

Upon departure from the funeral home, located on Oxford Road, the motorcade will drive past E.M. Rollins School, where Madigan said schoolchildren are expected to line the street to honor the chief as the motorcade passes by. From there, it will continue past Station 1 on Dabney Drive before turning onto Garnett Street, turning onto Rose Avenue to pass by City Hall and then back up Andrews Avenue to make its final turn onto Americal Road and arrive at the church.

Individuals are invited to gather in the vicinity of Garnett Street and Rose Avenue beginning about noon to pay their respects to the chief, who died Sunday after a battle with cancer.

The motorcade will consist of numerous public safety safety agencies, including fire personnel and motorcycle units of the State Highway Patrol.

WIZS will broadcast live the funeral service from the church at 2 p.m. and will broadcast special music and programming beginning and 1 p.m. as well as following the SHPHC service.

 

Get Your Holiday Spirit On, Downtown Merchants!

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Downtown merchants are being asked to get into the holiday spirit by creating festive window displays, just in time for the Henderson Christmas parade next weekend.

“We want everything up by the Christmas parade,” said Alice Sallins, who works both with the Vance County Arts Council that puts on the parade and with the downtown development group.

Merchants are being encouraged to decorate their storefronts to help create a festive backdrop for the parade spectators. There’s a form to fill out on Henderson NC downtown’s Facebook page, she said.

The final judging will coincide with the day of the parade – Dec. 3 – so time’s a tickin’, merchants.

“We always find someone who’s knowledgeable about art,’ Sallins said of the judge or judges who will determine which display wins top honors. The displays will be viewed during daytime and nighttime hours, she said, to “see the lighting effects.”

Contact Sallins at 252.767.4579 to learn more.

Pearson Honored For His Vision, Enthusiasm For Downtown Revitalization

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Dr. Stephen F. Pearson loved the city of Henderson and worked tirelessly to help with revitalization efforts. Patrons of Sadie’s Coffee Corner and visitors who travel Garnett Street in cars or on foot will now see a tribute to Pearson’s enthusiasm and dedication for downtown development.

A group of local officials and community leaders gathered Tuesday morning as Pearson’s widow, Amanda, and his son Corey cut the ribbon to officially name the parking area and adjoining greenscape in memory of Pearson, who died from cancer in March 2021.

In remarks to the group during the ceremony, son Corey said it was hard to believe that just a few years ago, he and his dad were riding around the area in an RV when they passed “an unlikely gun shop.”

“That’s the spot,” Corey said, recalling his father’s comments. “We’re going to turn that into something.”

And that’s how Sadie’s Coffee Corner came to be in the building at 324 S. Garnett St. that once housed Gupton’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

“I wish I could have his vision,” Corey said. “He loved everyone here and he loved this town,” adding that he wants to keep his dream alive and keep his vision going.

“He saw the possibilities and potential of our downtown and had a vision of how to bring them to fruition,” said Downtown Development Commission Director Tracy Madigan. “His low-key enthusiasm and drive were infectious,” she told those gathered for the occasion. “(He) created the momentum and excitement that we’re feeling today,” Madigan said.

Where others saw empty storefronts, Pearson saw potential. He wanted to make sure not only that Sadie’s was successful, but that the downtown area become successful. Pearson jumped in with both feet, joined the DDC board and soon became chairman.

“He inspired others to get involved,” she noted. “We have a great little oasis right here in the middle of town,” Madigan said, all inspired by Pearson and his vision for revitalization.

City Manager Terrell Blackmon said Pearson was a person committed to service – serving others and serving the community. But he was a self-proclaimed “disrupter,” someone who didn’t want things to be done the way they’ve always been done.

The “parklet” installed by a local volunteer gardeners’ group, now enhances a corner of the lot that adjoins Sadie’s at the corner of Garnett and Orange streets.

Amanda Pearson said her husband was the public speaker, not her. “I know that he would love this,” she said of the recognition bestowed on her late husband. “He loved this town so much.”

Reminder: Downtown Henderson Trick-or-Treating Set for Halloween Day

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

-Information courtesy Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission

The Henderson Vance Downtown Development Commission will sponsor trick-or-treating in downtown Henderson on Thursday, October 31, 2019, from 4:30 until 6 p.m.

This event is for children ages 1-12.

Garnett Street will be closed to traffic from West Young Street (just prior to the Fire Station) to Spring Street near NAPA Auto Parts and Sams Furniture during scheduled trick-or-treating hours.

Participating businesses will display signs in their windows.

Town Talk 09/18/19: Harvest Gala, Upcoming Downtown Events

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100.1 FM / 1450 AM WIZS; Local News broadcasts M-F 8am, 12pm, 5pm

Dr. Alice Sallins, chairperson of the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission’s Promotions Committee was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the annual Harvest Gala event.

This year’s “fine dining in the street” experience is scheduled for downtown Henderson Saturday, September 21 on West Young Street. Participants will enjoy an eloquent, four-course meal courtesy of Chef Llew Sutton, owner of Uncle Llew’s Restaurant & Pub in downtown.

The Meet and Greet session begins at 6 p.m., with starters to follow at 6:30 p.m.

If weather is not cooperative, the event will be held inside at 130 West Montgomery Street.

Tickets are still available for $75 and may be purchased online by visiting Downtown Henderson’s website (click here), or by calling Sallins at (252) 767-4579.

Menu items for the evening include:

Starter
Salmon Cake Resting on House-Made Cocktail Sauce with Citrus Soli and Cilantro Atop

Chef Llew’s California Salad
Mixed Greens, Red Onions, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppered Bacon, Dried Cranberries, Blue Cheese Crumbles, with House- Made Balsamic Reduction Drizzle

Main Course
Thyme Seared Pork Tenderloin Medallions complimented with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes along with Fresh Lemon Peppered Asparagus

Dessert
Creme Brulee in Mini Mason Jars

The gala is the only fundraising event for the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing Henderson’s historic downtown business district. According to Sallins, donations will be used for events and beautification projects in Henderson’s central business district in an effort to preserve historic integrity.

“The money raised at the Harvest Gala allows us to promote new downtown businesses by offering incentives and facade improvement grants,” explained Sallins. “We were recently able to offer a grant to the American Legion and Sadies Coffee Corner as well as organize a beautification project in the parking area of the former Gupton’s Sporting Goods thanks to those who support the gala.”

To hear Sallin’s interview in its entirety, including information on Downtown Trick-or-Treating and the 2019 Christmas Parade, please click the play button below. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.

Reminder: Trick or Treat in Downtown Henderson This Wed., Oct. 31

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-Information courtesy Henderson’s Downtown Development website

Businesses in downtown Henderson will be offering Trick or Treat on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Garnett Street will be closed for traffic from 4 to 6 p.m.

Downtown businesses give out free candy to costumed children 12 and under during the event. Participating business will have an orange poster on their window.

It’s one of the largest events in our downtown, so come out to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween for the kids!

The Downtown Trick or Treat is organized by the Vance County Arts Council.

Downtown Henderson

2018 Henderson Christmas Parade to be Held Sat., Dec. 1

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-Information courtesy Henderson’s Downtown Development website

The Henderson, NC Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018. The parade begins at 5 p.m.

Floats, fire trucks, and vehicles with trailers line-up on the Dabney Drive Extension (enter from Raleigh Road ONLY) at 4:15 p.m.

Bring your own float, or you can rent a professional float. For float rentals, please contact Mark Harris at Triangle Floats (919) 410-5543.

Deadline for entries and fees is Friday, November 23, 2018. Registration forms may be viewed on the Downtown Development website or by clicking here.

Downtown Henderson to Participate in Trick or Treat – Oct. 31

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-Information courtesy Henderson’s Downtown Development website

Businesses in downtown Henderson will be offering Trick or Treat on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Garnett Street will be closed for traffic from 4 to 6 p.m.

Downtown businesses give out free candy to costumed children 12 and under during the event. Participating business will have an orange poster on their window so you will know they are offering candy.

It’s one of the largest events in our downtown, so come out to enjoy a safe and fun Halloween for the kids!

The Downtown Trick or Treat is organized by the Vance County Arts Council.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Riggan Encouraged by ‘Good, Positive Movement’ in Downtown Henderson

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Kaine Riggan, executive director for Downtown Development, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss updates and news-worthy items involving downtown Henderson.

Downtown Board of Directors

Riggan explained that the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission’s Board of Directors is currently without a chair but has two qualified candidates in Benny Finch and Paul Harvin. “Both candidates are very qualified,” said Riggan. “While they have different leadership styles, they would both be great for the organization.”

Finch previously served as Vance County’s economic development director for 30 years; Harvin is vice president of The Rosemyr Corporation.

According to Riggan, the process of officially naming a chair has been tabled by the Board until further notice.

Breckenridge Pavilion

With a location planned near the Henderson Police Department, the last piece of the overall Breckenridge Commons project -known as the Breckenridge Pavilion – is currently under review by a City-hired landscape architect.

When asked about the project’s lengthy timeframe, Riggan explained, “It could have moved forward if we had been willing to put it at the top of the hill. Several members of the board felt that amphitheaters sit at the bottom of a hill. You don’t look up at a stage, you look down at a stage.”

To achieve this outcome as cost-efficiently as possible, said Riggan, the architect is looking at the best way to utilize the resources that already exist in the area.

Downtown Henderson Buildings

 “We are seeing good, positive movement in [downtown] buildings,” Riggan said.

Riggan reported that Gupton’s Sporting Goods, known to many in the community as Gupton’s Gun Shop, is being sold to an owner who is interested in using the building as a gym facility for women.

According to Riggan, the same owner bought the adjoining property, renovated the apartment upstairs for income and is now interested in developing the downstairs portion for business purposes.

Other currently vacant downtown buildings are being discussed for repurposing as a sandwich shop and a juice bar.

Riggan said he was further encouraged regarding the prospects of downtown business growth after attending a City variance meeting last week. “The committee had six projects before them of people wanting to open businesses or do something that they needed to have a code variance for and they were all approved. I think that says a lot about how willing we are to invite businesses and be open to expansion.”

While Riggan is encouraged by this support of potential downtown business owners, he readily admits there is room for improvement and steps to take to be eligible for additional opportunities. “We are still in a building phase with the Downtown Development Commission,” said Riggan. “We are trying to become a Main Street community again, which probably won’t happen before July 2020 at the earliest.”

Downtowns designated as members of the Main Street America program are eligible for additional funding and technical assistance. In addition to following a detailed plan, downtowns are required to have a full-time director to earn the distinction. Riggan is currently employed on a part-time basis.

VGCC presents free seminar to help businesses prepare for holidays

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The Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center, in partnership with the Henderson-Vance Downtown Development Commission, is inviting local businesses to plan ahead for success in the upcoming holiday season.

A free workshop, entitled “Maximizing Sales During the Holidays,” will be held at the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce (414 S. Garnett Street, Henderson) on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 8-10 a.m.

Mike McConchie of Creedmoor will serve as the instructor. The owner of M&M Consultants, Inc., McConchie is a Certified Business Coach and a Senior Business Consultant. He has over 36 years of retail management experience and is the past president of the Granville County Chamber of Commerce.

Topics for the workshop will include: the importance of different time periods, including November as a whole, Thanksgiving weekend in particular, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day; merchandising; pricing; staffing; marketing; how to capture customer information for use throughout the year and its relation to target marketing; decorating a store front; why holiday selling is different than the rest of the year; why gift cards are so important; and overcoming sold-out situations.

Breakfast will be provided at no charge to attendees who register in advance by Oct. 20.

Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/schedules/small-business-center.

For more information, contact Tanya Weary, director of the Small Business Center, at (252) 738-3240 or smallbusiness@vgcc.edu.