Operations Center Named "Main St. Champion"

The Downtown Development Association (CDDA) recently paid the Town of Clayton a significant tribute, naming members of the town's Operations Center "Main Street Champions" for 2011, the highest honor the organization offers.

The award will be presented to Operations Center employees during the upcoming NC Main Street Conference on Jan. 26 here in Clayton.

“The CDDA can’t thank you enough for all that you do to make downtown events so successful and keep downtown so visually appealing that people enjoying spending time there,” CDDA President Richard Rairigh said.

Here's what the organization had to say in making the award: "Whether it’s a special event, a problem that needs to be solved or just something that needs to be fixed, the staff and employees of the Clayton Operations Center gets it done without fanfare or public recognition. They mow and clean public spaces and streets, roll-out the trash cans, put up banners, put street barricades in place and whatever else is needed to make events safe and successful. They maintain landscape elements in all our public spaces and do whatever it takes to help make downtown attractive and appealing."

Here's the other awards from the recent CDDA Awards Dinner:

• Outstanding Downtown Business - Pizazz, a resale store
Here's what the organization had to say in making the award: "The store is located at 132 E Main Street and sells "gently used" women’s clothing and accessories. It is the retail arm for Harbor, Inc. which advocates for victims of domestic violence in Johnston County. Harbor Inc also manages a safe house for victims. Pizazz does a lot of things right as a retailer, and one of those things they creatively change their storefront display often. They also participate in a lot of downtown functions and happen to sell some wonderful women’s clothing very inexpensively. They gladly take donations of clothing and accessories! We’re glad they’re in Downtown Clayton. Katy Buchan is the store manager."

• CDDA Volunteer of the Year - The "Loft Girls" Cortney Trasti, Dee Norris and Adi Coor
Here's what the organization had to say in making the award: "They've been nicknamed “The Loft Girls” because they are all stylists at The Loft Hair Lounge, at 316 E Main Street, and have volunteered for several DDA events over the past several years as a group, especially for the Town Square Concert Series. They handled beer and wine sales for most of the season. Additionally, they spent time working with and teaching the Clayton High School Drama Department how to apply zombie make-up for a recent performance of “Night of the Living Dead” as well as the zombie flash mob during the September Town Square Concert. As most of volunteers do, they juggle work and family and maintain a terrific attitude in all they do."

• Outstanding New Downtown Business - DPM Studio
Here's what the organization had to say in making the award: "Raquel Williams opened DPM Studios at 468 E Second Street in April, 2010. DPM stands for Dance, Performance and Modeling and provides instruction in all those areas with dominance in dance of all styles, including ballroom, salsa, swing, shag, country-western and more. They also offer model training for runway and print; personal training and choreography for special events. DPM Studios also heavily markets itself using social networking, the Chamber of Commerce, print and personal relationship building. Raquel Williams heavily promotes Downtown Clayton, and other businesses in Downtown and throughout town. The professional facility has also been used by other businesses and individuals for receptions, weddings, and meetings."

• Outstanding Downtown Staff Person - James Lipscomb of HomeTowne Realty
Here's what the organization had to say in making the award: "This award recognizes a staff person who, as a representative of their business or organization, serves to champion the downtown experience. The nominee provides excellent customer service, is a great ambassador for downtown Clayton, has a strong sense of the Clayton community and has a great sense of humor."

The CDDA each year selects an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the success of downtown and whose efforts have been instrumental in downtown revitalization. Last year's Main Street Champion was Town Councilman Michael Grannis, who, with wife Betsy, is owner of the Clayton Steakhouse.