The Downtown Development Association (DDA) celebrated outstanding businesses and community members with the Downtown Distinguished Awards on Thursday. The event, held at the Historic Burke County Courthouse, recognized those who significantly contributed to downtown Morganton.
- Event Details: The DDA hosted its fourth annual awards event on June 27, from 5-7 p.m. at the Historic Burke County Courthouse.
- Introduction by Kasey Goodfellow: Main Street's Community Event Coordinator, Kasey Goodfellow, introduced each winner with heartfelt remarks.
- Winners:
- Picture Perfect Award: Merrill Mischief, owned by Craig and Sarah Merrill, for their vibrant and inviting business.
- Cherry on Top Award: The Olive of Morganton, owned by Linda Knollmeyer and her staff, for their exceptional customer service.
- Breath of Fresh Air Award: The Burke Arts Council, with Executive Director Deborah Jones and Board member Kathy Lindquist, for innovative and fun public events.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Haugen of Haugen-Carver Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, for his honorary volunteer and community service.
- Recognition: Winners received a trophy, a banner for their business, social media coverage, a press release mention, and a quarter-page ad in The Paper.
A full version of this story will be included in next week's edition of The Paper.
