Alive After Five Summer Concert Series Kicks-off

The twelfth annual First Federal Savings Bank Alive After Five Summer Concert Series starts this Thursday, May 27, as the Fantastic Shakers take the stage. The concert will take place on East Main Street and Court Square in Downtown Lincolnton, beginning at 6 p.m., and ending at 9 p.m. The event is organized by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton, and sponsored by the First Federal Savings Bank and Apple Realty.

The Fantastic Shakers, known as the "South's Finest Show Band," is comprised of Jeff Swafford, Freddy Tripp, Chris Jennings, Jim Stoudemire, Bo Schronce and Don Tetreault, who are all Carolina natives. This band is sure to be a treat, so mark your calendars and be sure not to miss this event.

The Summer Concert Series is free to the public, and is held once a month.

City of Lincolnton Public Works and Utilities Recognized as "Main Street Champions"

On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the City of Lincolnton’s Public Works and Utilities Department was honored as 2009 Main Street Champions at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in New Bern, NC. The department was selected for this special recognition by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton (DDA) in appreciation of its commitment to keeping downtown Lincolnton clean, attractive, and desirable.

In its nomination of the department, the DDA cited Public Works and Utilities employees’ exemplary efforts in preparing the city for special events and festivals: ensuring power, water, and disposal are available where needed; handling road closings and logistical details; and collecting trash and debris. Though an event may bring thousands of visitors to downtown Lincolnton, the Public Works and Utilities employees ensure that, often within just a few hours of the event’s conclusion, no signs of the festival remain.

The nomination further praised the department’s proficiency in maintaining downtown amenities, such as lampposts, benches, and trash receptacles; as well as its efforts in decorating downtown for the Holidays – the electric division of the department installs the Community Christmas Tree and downtown Christmas decorations.

Each of the state’s active Main Street programs is given the opportunity annually to recognize a local Main Street Champion – a designation that acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of those persons who have played pivotal roles in the revitalization of their downtowns. The DDA selected the Public Works and Utilities Department for the honor because of the often the unacknowledged daily and special efforts that are made to make downtown Lincolnton such a great place to live, work, play and visit.

Construction at First Federal Savings Bank

First Federal Savings Bank to Break Ground for New Headquarters

First Federal Savings Bank will be holding a ground breaking ceremony for the expansion of its headquarters, located at 320 East Main Street in downtown Lincolnton, Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

After 70 years in downtown, First Federal has made a commitment to continue its tenure as a staple of downtown Lincolnton. We look forward having First Federal as a neighbor for many, many years to come.

After the ceremony, First Federal will be celebrating its 70 Anniversary throughout the day at all of its Lincoln County locations.

Art Crawl Downtown Lincolnton Scheduled for March 19th

The Arts Council of Lincoln County, Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, and the Lincoln County Historical Association are partnering on an exciting collaborative effort that will culminate in the Art Crawl Downtown Lincolnton on March 19, 2010 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank, the event will feature artists from Lincoln County paired with merchants in downtown Lincoln to transform their buildings into mini art galleries. The event will include fun, food, music, and art, and is open to the public. Look for Art Crawl posters at participating merchants’ buildings in downtown.

For more information, visit http://www.lincolntonncartcrawl.com/ACrawl.html.

Black Building Receives Polished Apple Award

Jason Harpe (left), Polished Apple Award Chairman, presents Wesley and Beverly Black with the Polished Apple Award

Beverly and Wesley Black recently received the City of Lincolnton Polished Apple Award for the renovation of their building at 203 South Academy Street.

The Polished Apple Award is a city-wide recognition program established to recognize and encourage positive physical improvements in the City of Lincolnton. A program of the City of Lincolnton award recipients are selected by a volunteer citizens group and are awarded based on the established program criteria.

Beverly and Wesley Black completed a major project that included a total interior and exterior rehabilitation of their building.

The Polished Apple Award review committee meets on a regular basis to review applications and nominations. A property owner may apply or a noteworthy improvement project may be nominated to receive the award. For more information, Contact the Business & Community Development Department at 704-736-8915.

Hartsoe Wins Downtown Dream Date

As Crystal Hartsoe visited Stroup’s Jewelers in downtown Lincolnton last week she saw a flyer for the Downtown Dream Date and figured entering the drawing was at least worth a shot.

It turns out that she was right. Hartsoe’s entry was selected in the random drawing on February 12, 2010, that is sponsored each year by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton. Along with Valentine’s Day dinner for two at Court Street Grille and a bouquet of flowers from Drum’s Florist & Gifts, Hartsoe also received gifts from 36th Street Bakery, Café & Catering; Clark Tire; Color Me Pretty; Dancer’s Edge Dance Studio; Fausto Coffee/Ride-A-Bike; GiGi’s Consignment; Heavenly Paws Grooming; Hi-Lites; House of Trophies & Engraving/Classic Art & Framing; Kate McCall; Katie Wood, Inc.; King’s Office Supply; Lighthouse Christian Book Store; Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce; Lizzie Lu’s; Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio/Studio 220 Salon & Spa; Personal Artist Studio; Rising Sun Pottery; Southern Charm Winery; Stroup’s Jewelers; Touch of Class; and Treasures on Main.

The Downtown Dream Date is held each year during the first two weeks of February. Anyone 18 years old or older may enter at any participating downtown business, no purchase necessary.

Free Webinar: Key Growth Strategies to Implement Now for 2010

Jon Schallert will be conducting a free webinar entitled Moving Your Business Forward, Even When the Economy's Not: Key Growth Strategies to Implement Now for 2010. The webinar will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, at 1:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 18, at 8:00 p.m.

Schallert is conducting the webinar because "many business owners are in a critical situation right now. Consumer spending is down, customer traffic is still down, and they are struggling to reach the sales levels they need. This webinar will cover the strategic steps that should be done first, in order to improve your business in 2010."

According to Schallert, webinar attendees will learn:

1. The four (4) top business resources that small business owners must have at their fingertips

to survive in this economy

2. The least expensive way to get the best customers with the most money through your doors

to buy

3. Key pricing strategies that the top businesses are using to get the most profit from every

customer

4. Four low-cost methods that take time, but little cash, that can increase customer traffic and

sales

5. Three techniques that every small business owner should be using to keep their sanity, their

focus, and get their business out of its rut

6. Three social networking steps that every business owner should already have in place, but

probably doesn't, that is critical to making social media work for you

We had the pleasure of meeting Shallert at the NC Main Street Conference last month and we were impressed as much by his enthusiam as his incredible insight in positioning small businesses. We encourage all of our local business owners to register for this webinar.

Space is limited. To register for the webinar, visit http://www.destinationuniversity.com/registration/free.aspx

Register Now for the Downtown Dream Date

The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton is once again sponsoring the annual Valentine's Day Downtown Dream Date. The Dream Date is quite possibly our most anticipated retail promotion each year -- and the simplest to enter too! Just stop by any participating downtown business and enter the drawing for the Downtown Dream Date prize package. No purchase is necessary and while you can only enter once per business, you can enter at as many businesses as you would like.

Entries will be collected February 11, 2010 and one lucky winner will be selected on February 12th to receive a prize package including gifts from each of the following businesses:

36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering
Clark Tire
Color Me Pretty
Dancer's Edge Dance Studio
Fausto Coffee/Ride-A-Bike
GiGi's Consignment
Heavenly Paws Grooming
Hi-Lites
House of Trophies & Engraving/Classic Art & Framing
Kate McCall
Katie Wood, Inc.
King's Office Supply
Lighthouse Christian Book Store
Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce
Lizzie Lu's
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio/Studio 220 Salon & Spa
Personal Artist Studio
Rising Sun Pottery
Southern Charm Winery
Stroup's Jewelers
A Touch of Class
Treasures On Main

AND...Valentine's Day dinner for two from Court Street Grille...
AND...a bouquet of flowers from Drum's Florist & Gifts

...now that's what I call a Dream Date!

Treat Your Valentine to Something Special From Downtown Lincolnton

Trying to find something unique for your Valentine? Downtown Lincolnton has everything you need to make this Valentine's Day extra special for your loved ones. Looking for a few ideas? Try these on for size:

• Pamper her with a gift certificate to one of downtown's many salon/spas: Merle Norman/Studio 220, The Healing Touch, A Touch of Class, Shear Options, Techniques, Color Me Pretty, and that's just a few.....
  
• Who could resist jewels from Stroup's Jewelers or Estate Jewelers?




• How about a good book from Lighthouse Christian Book Store or North State Books and some gourmet coffee from Fausto Coffee?




• Is he or she more of the athletic type? A new bicycle from Ride-A-Bike may be just the ticket!




• Classic Art & Framing has tons of art prints, or they can frame that photo or college diploma that he or she has been "meaning" to get framed.




• Personal Artist Studio and Rising Sun Pottery offer art classes that will bring out the inner artist in anyone




• Catawba River Traders has a massive inventory of Catawba Valley Pottery that is one-of-a-kind...just like her!




• Surprise her with ballroom dancing or shag lessons from The Dancer's Edge Dance Studio or a photography session at Tindall's Professional Photography.




• Gigi's Consignment and the Good Neighbor Shop offer all sorts of unique items at a considerable discount - many in new condition.




• Downtown Lincolnton's gift shops will make it easy to find something personal, such as a monogrammed bag from Lizzie Lu's, or personalized stationary from Kate McCall -- and you never know what kind of gem you may walk out of Treasures on Main with.




• Maybe she has been eyeing a jacket in the Hi-Lites window for a few weeks...or maybe he has been eyeing that Cross pen at King's Office Supply for just as long...




• And don't forget about your four-legged loved ones! Heavenly Paws Grooming will make sure they look and feel as special as they are to you!




• Treating him to a romantic night in? Don't forget to pick up dessert from 36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering and a bottle of wine from Southern Charm Winery.

There are so many opportunities to make this Valentine's Day memorable for that special someone - without even having to leave town...and we haven't even scratched the surface! And the best thing about shopping downtown Lincolnton for Valentine's Day? You're supporting the local economy because more of your dollars stay right here in Lincolnton and Lincoln County when compared to shopping with national chains.

Also, both Court Street Grille and 36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering will be offering special Valentine's Day dinner menus:

National Guard Troops to Return to Lincolnton Sunday

A group of troops from the National Guard post in Lincolnton will be returning home from deployment in Iraq this weekend. The soldiers are expected to arrive in Lincolnton sometime between 12:00 Noon and 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 24, 2010.

As you may have noticed, yellow ribbons have already been tied around many of the lamp posts in downtown. We encourage all downtown businesses - and homes as well - to help welcome the troops home with patriotic decorations and signs of welcome ad thanks.

The soldiers will begin their march through downtown at the US Post Office, located at 326 East Main Street. Come out to help welcome these brave men and women home, and to show them your appreciation for their service to our country.

Lincolnton Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities Planned

The Lincoln County Coalition of Churches and the local branch of the NAACP have announced the plans for Lincolnton’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities. The festivities will kick off on Sunday, January 17, 2010, at 4:00 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church with a message from Rev. Dr. Sheldon Shipman of Charlotte and music from the Lincolnton Community Choir, under the direction of Ms. Michelle Derr.

The celebration will continue on Monday, January 18, 2010, at the church with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a message from Rev. Robert Coleman of Shelby. A youth program will follow at 11:30 a.m., in which all community and church youth groups are invited to participate. The group will then gather downtown at the corner of East Main Street and Cedar Street and march, via East Main Street, to the Court Square with the accompaniment of the North Lincoln High School Band, under the direction of Neil Underwood. At the Court Square, individuals will be able to attest to the impact that Dr. King’s legacy has had on their lives.

GOOD NEWS from Kate McCall

Kate McCall is celebrating its 8th Anniversary today! Stop by today for 8% off of your total in celebration of this milestone. Congratulations! We look forward to many more years of shopping at Kate McCall in downtown Lincolnton!

If you have any GOOD NEWS that you would like to share with the downtown community, just email it to downtown@ci.lincolnton.nc.us.

Go Local: Give Jingle Bucks

Having a hard time finding the perfect Christmas gift for that person who has everything? The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton (DDA) may have the answer.

The DDA is offering Jingle Bucks for sale from now through Christmas. Jingle Bucks are gift certificates that can be spent with any participating business in downtown Lincolnton. The certificates are available in $5, $10, and $20 denominations.

The Jingle Bucks further promote the “Go Local Lincolnton” campaign that the DDA initiated this year.

“When you shop at locally owned businesses, you are ensuring that more of your money stays right here in Lincolnton and Lincoln County,” said Stephen Starnes, DDA Chair. “And by giving Jingle Bucks, you are opening the doors to downtown Lincolnton’s unique independent and locally owned businesses for your recipient.”

Jingle Bucks are available for purchase from the Business & Community Development office, 114 East Main Street, downtown Lincolnton. For more information, call (704) 736-8915.

2009 Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting a Huge Success

The streets of downtown Lincolnton were lined with kids young and old this Sunday - all anxious for the 2009 Lincolnton Christmas Parade. This year's parade featured entries from scout troupes, local businesses, dance teams, churches, pageant queens and more - each sporting its own creative flair.

Some of the highlights of the parade included Parade Grand Marshals (and Man and Woman of the Year) Jim and Teresa Watson, Lincolnton Mayor and City Council, the bands of North Lincoln, East Lincoln, and Lincolnton High Schools, and everyone's favorite jolly ol elf - Santa Claus.

The Arts Council of Lincoln County judged parade entries and awarded the following entries with honors:

Best of Show: Boger City United Methodist Church - "Whoville"
1st Place: St. Dorothy's Catholic Church Youth Group - "The Nativity"
2nd Place: Glamorous Productions - "Glamorous Christmas"
3rd Place: Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County - "Building Homes for Our Community"

Hundreds stuck around after the parade for the 51st Annual Lincolnton Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. After a brief welcome by Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Les Cloninger, Eric Reel, Pastor of Freedom Church, gave an invocation. Teresa Watson led the crowd in singing a couple of Christmas carols, which was followed by the lighting of the community Christmas Tree by Barbara Dudley, President of the Pilot Club. Musical performances by the Kiser Intermediate School Chorus and St. Dorothy's Catholic Church Spanish Youth Choir rounded out the evening.

Be sure to check out the photos of the event from The Carolina Scoop and the Lincoln Tribune.

Spend With Those You Know

This holiday season, please spread your cheer where it counts, at home. Convenience may dictate online shopping or the mall, but think about making the holidays brighter for your friends and neighbors. Money spent on Main Street stays within the community and sustains those who need it most. When you shop with local business owners, the money you spend re-circulates in your community. Local business owners employ local workers, pay local taxes, give to local charities, and buy goods and services from other local businesses. Money spent with out of town business owners leaves Lincolnton and has relatively little impact in our town.

Times are tight and not everyone has money to give this season, but we can all choose where to do our holiday shopping. The dollars you spend have a real impact on the health of your city and by spending on Main Street you create jobs on Main Street. Local business owners have supported our hometown by choosing to operate in Lincolnton; please support them this year when you do your holiday shopping and spend with those you know.

Main Streets aren't magical places just during the holidays; they are centers for community gathering and unique shopping and dining experiences throughout the year. Nothing sends this message better than this video. It celebrates all the aspects that make Lincolnton a great place to live, work, and play.

Holiday Events in Downtown Announced

The 2009 Holiday Season is upon us and downtown Lincolnton is gearing up for a calendar full of Holiday events sure to get everyone in the spirit.

Lincolnton Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, November 29th
4:00 p.m.
Downtown Lincolnton
Call 704-736-8915 for more information

Court Street Grille Downtown Carriage Rides
Every Friday & Saturday in December, including December 25th & 26th
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Court Street Grille
Call 704-736-8915 for more information

The Nutcracker
Friday, December 11th - Sunday, December 13th
7:00 p.m.
James W. Warren Citizens Center
Call 704-732-9055 for more information

3rd Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run
Saturday, December 19th
9:00 a.m.
Gaston College - Lincoln Campus
Call 704-716-4595 for more information

Visit with Santa Downtown
Friday, November 27th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 28th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 3rd 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 4th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 10th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 11th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 12th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 17th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, December 18th 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 19th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ghouls and Goblins Spotted on Main Street

Downtown businesses welcomed children and parents from A Place To Grow as they trick-or-treated along Main Street this morning. This year, we saw everything from a giant banana to Frankenstein -- not to mention a few Jack-O-Lanterns and princesses too.

GOOD NEWS from Treasures on Main:

We have been open since March 2009 and having a great time with the shop. We would like announce our Holiday Open House on December 4 & 5 from 10 AM - 9 PM. Treasures on Main is a 'charming destination' that has something for everyone. Please stop by during our Holiday Open House for some holiday fun, a chance to win a free gift and a unique shopping experience. Treasures on Main has lots of local talent....art by Kae Wright and Gail Little, wood bowls by Sam Ledbetter, and local made pottery, jewelry, purses and bags....just to name a few!

Regular Shop Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 10AM - 6 PM

If you have any GOOD NEWS that you would like to share with the downtown community, just email it to downtown@ci.lincolnton.nc.us.

DDA Board of Directors Call for Nominations

The Downtown Development Association is a volunteer driven organization that relies on the wealth, wisdom and work of volunteers to ensure that its mission is accomplished.

If you would like to volunteer, DDA has a wide range of volunteer jobs available to suit your interest from festival & event planning to business recruitment and retention to beautification and streetscape & storefront design.

No matter what your interest-throwing parties, design or crunching numbers DDA has a volunteer job for you.

Volunteer opportunites can be for a limited one time occurance or an ongoing engagement

We are accepting nominations to serve on the Board of Directors. If you would like to nominate someone to serve please complete the nomination form at return it to us by Wednesday, November 11th

Downtown Development Assocaition of Lincolnton, Inc.
Board of Directors

Call for Nominations