ABOUT US
Learn more about who we are, what we do, how we came to be, and why we are proud to be recognized by our state and national Main Street programs. Scroll to meet our Staff and Board of Directors.
WHO WE ARE
HISTORY
Envisioning an important port cutty, John Motley Morehead, the twenty-ninth Governor of North Carolina, and others carefully planned and designed Morehead City. The development of the port, Pier 1, along with the terminus of the 1857 Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad, both constructed at Shepards Point, were strong factors in the growth of Morehead City. Additionally, the recreational value of the shoreline and bountiful fishing have always attracted visitors and residents to the town.
WHAT WE DO
Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt economic development organization dedicated to making Downtown Morehead City a vital community for residents and visitors alike. By following the Main Street Four Point Approach for downtown revitalization, DMC, Inc. facilitates intentional and sustainable growth of our commercial district with the guidance of our four, volunteer-led committees: Organization - Promotion - Economic Vitality - Design
HOW DID DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY, INC. BEGIN AND WHY?
In November 1996, the Morehead City East division of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce determined it would be beneficial to the community to develop ways to improve business conditions to attract more people to the waterfront and Arendell Street.
In April 1997 a presentation was made about the NC Main Street Program and 65 people attended. From that group, a 17-member steering committee was formed, consisting of interested downtown business and property owners, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown MHC Merchant’s Association, as well as town and county government officials.
This group reorganized itself into the present Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association in July 1997. In 2000, Downtown Morehead City became a designated North Carolina Main Street Community, and the organization was renamed to "Downtown Morehead City, Inc." in 2017.
MISSION
Downtown Morehead City, Inc. provides leadership in Downtown Morehead City to optimize economic and cultural opportunities in a welcoming environment, and encourages community engagement and participation.
VISION
Downtown Morehead City is a year-round coastal community that serves as the epicenter for premier waterfront outdoor recreation on the Crystal Coast. The water connects the community, and the downtown district and its small businesses have created a destination that invites locals and visitors to experience a variety of nightlife and entertainment opportunities, one-of-a-kind shopping, and a rich local culinary scene.
MAIN STREET PROGRAM
Main Street America Accredited
As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
Main Street America™ has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts since 1980. Today it is a network of neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, that share both commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Main Street America™ is a movement. It is the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country. Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, Main Street America represents the broad diversity that makes this country so unique. Working together, the programs that make up the Main Street America network help to breathe new life into the places people call home.
Learn more about Main Street America
Accredited NC Main Street Community
Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is a North Carolina Main Street Community, designated by the NC Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. Downtown Morehead City, Inc. is charged with administering the program at the local level and building public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program. Main Street America™ is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As one of the first Main Street America™ Coordinating Programs designated in 1980, NC Main Street inspires placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies. The NC Main Street staff is charged by the NC Department of Commerce to facilitate downtown economic development using the Main Street America Four-Point Approach. The Main Street Approach™ focuses on economic development strategies to transform downtown. These strategies articulate a focused path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown economy. Designated NC Main Street community's work is organized around the Four-Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
DMC, INC. STAFF
Leah Hardesty
Executive Director
leah@downtownmoreheadcity.com
Leah is a graduate of East Carolina University with over six years of experience in marketing and community engagement. After relocating to Carteret County in 2021, she quickly fell in love with the charm and history of Carteret County.
Passionate about supporting local initiatives, Leah is excited to make a positive impact in Downtown Morehead City.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on the water with her husband, Jacob, and their son, G.
Abby Weiser
Assistant Director
abby@downtownmoreheadcity.com
Abby is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She previously owned a small women's boutique in downtown MHC for six years, and has career experience in event planning and volunteer coordination. Abby loves fashion, her rescue dog Atticus, and getting out and networking with her community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alison Britt
(Board Vice Chair)
Design Committee
Jason Eure
(Past Board Chair)
Design (Chair), Economic Vitality, Promotion Committees
Janice Rowe
Design Committee
Mary Catherine Boyette
Design Committee
Tony Holloway
(Board Chair)
Organization Committee
Patti Schweis
Promotions Committee
Kayla Brown
Promotion Committee (Chair)
Jeff Johnson
(Treasurer)
Design, Economic Vitality, &
Organization Committees
Walter Davis
Design Committee
Ex-Officio Members
Tom Kies
Organization Committee (Chair)
Keri McCann
Downtown Business Owner & Resident
Sandi Watkins
Morehead City Planning Director