CHAMP—John Spicer (left) receives the Sparta Main Street Champion award from Sparta Revitalization Committee President George White. Spicer is a downtown business owner who plays a part in many activities in Sparta. Photo by Coby LaRue

Spicer named Sparta's Main Street Champion for 2008

John Spicer was named Sparta's Main Street Champion at the Sparta Revitalization Committee meeting on Feb. 9.

The honor was officially bestowed at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Statesville on Jan. 29, but Spicer was unable to attend that ceremony. He received his plaque and was recognized locally at the February meeting.

In a news release, the SRC stated that Spicer was selected by the SRC for the honor in appreciation of his contributions to the downtown revitalization process.

"The dedication and hard work of countless volunteers is required to make a local Main Street program successful, and the Main Street Champion designation acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of those persons who have played pivotal roles in the revitalization of their downtowns," the release stated.

N.C. Office of Urban Development Director Liz Parham stated at the Jan. 29 banquet, "Main Street is a grassroots effort and, in order to be successful, every local program must utilize its community resources—both financial and human. The human resources come in a number of forms: volunteers, Main Street board members, city staff, elected officials and others. There are no greater supporters of Main Street than those people who we honor here tonight, individuals who have taken their dedication to downtown to the next level—our 2008 N.C. Main Street Champions."

In nominating Spicer, the SRC provided biographical information and information on Spicer's activities on behalf of the town. SRC President George White read the information during the presentation at the SRC meeting on Feb. 9.

White stated that Spicer graduated from Appalachian State University and then worked for Lowe's Hardware for 21 years prior to starting his current position.

 

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