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.
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
Main Street America™ has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today it is a network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a 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.
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 a public-private partnerships to spur economic development that achieves measurable results such as investment, business growth, and job creation.
DMC, INC. STAFF
Marissa Moore
Executive Director
marissa@downtownmoreheadcity.com
Marissa is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has been a leader in the nonprofit sector for six years. Ever since moving to ENC in 2022, she has embraced the history and culture of this region. When she's not diving into her new role, you will see her walking her dog, Max, around town, paddleboarding at the beach, or spending time with her husband.
Leah Hardesty
Assistant 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
Administrative & Event Coordinator
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
Arrington Brafford
Promotions Committee
Jason Eure
(Board Chair)
Design (Chair), Economic Vitality, Promotion Committees
Mark Kelly
Design Committee
Patti Schweis
Promotions Committee
Alison Britt
Design Committee
Tony Holloway
(Board Vice Chair)
Organization Committee
Rod Kirk
Economic Vitality (Chair)
Kayla Brown
(Past Board Chair)
Promotion Committee (Chair)
Jeff Johnson
(Treasurer)
Design, Economic Vitality, &
Organization Committees
Janice Rowe
Design Committee
Ex-Officio Members
Tom Kies
Organization Committee (Chair)
Keri McCann
Downtown Business Owner & Resident
Sandi Watkins
Town of Morehead City Planning Director