| Shelby Plays Host To 2011 NC Main Street Conference |
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 Brownie Plaster and Emily Epley
The award citation highlighted the unusual public-private nature of the Trust, along with the ability to generate
funding for projects that improve the appearance of historic Uptown Shelby without requiring public funds. The Raper-Roark Trust was created with substantial contributions from both gentlemen, along with their families, and has been built up with other contributions. The Raper-Roark Trust Board of Governors includes Mr. Roark, Ms. Carolyn Raper Petty, Ms. Doris Moore (representing Uptown Shelby Association), Mr. James “Speed” Williams, Ms. Allison Gragg (representing Keep Shelby Beautiful), and Mr. Danny Darst (liaison with the City of Shelby). Ms Trish Butler of Shelby served on the Board of Governors for several years.
Also during the awards program, Destination Cleveland County was recognized for the Best Public-Private Partnership for its work in creating the Don Gibson Theatre with private funds, as well as contributions from the City of Shelby and the North Carolina Rural Center. The citation also noted that five Shelby banks came together to create a completion loan pool for the period of construction as funds pledged from various sources were coming in to the project. Destination Cleveland County Chair Brownie Plaster accepted the award at the front of the Don Gibson Theatre itself.
In another award designation for a Shelby-based initiative, the Phil Rucker family was recognized for the Best Innovation for its use of lively painted panels in the upper-floor windows of their building at the corner of Lafayette and Graham Streets in Uptown. Rucker family member Will Rucker and artist Todd Yelton accepted the award. The citation highlighted the effect of art to enliven one of the city’s major intersection and draw attention to the second floor as well as the remainder of the building.
The North Carolina Main Street Conference drew participants from 113 different towns and cities across the state, along with attendees from Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina. Three keynote addresses were delivered on retail innovation, economic development and design in commercial districts, as well as a number of other presentations of interest to the non-profit organizations and city sponsored programs for downtown revitalization. Many also participated in guided walking tours of the Uptown Shelby district and several historic buildings.
Tina and Will Rucker, were present to accept the Best Innovation Award for the second story window panels that are featured in the Phil Rucker family owned building (Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille). Local artist Todd Yelton was also present to accept the award. Destination Cleveland County was recognized as the Best Public-Private Partnership for their development of the Don Gibson Theatre. Brownie Plaster, Chair, and Emily Epley, Executive Director attended the gala reception and awards ceremony. The event was held at the Don Gibson Theatre.
Wade Nichols, Uptown Shelby Association. Photos By M.A. Andrews
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