Main Street Champion: Mayor H.L. Beam’s Legacy

6:37 AM EST |March 22, 2024|Wise News Network|, , ,

H.L. Beam
Image of Mayor H.L. Beam. Image retrieved from a press release from David Day, Cherryville’s Downtown Director.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – Cherryville residents greeted their mayor with enthusiasm as he returned as a champion from the North Carolina Main Street annual meeting. Mayor H.L. Beam received an award for the integral role he has played in bolstering Cherryville’s downtown.ย 

Hundreds of city representatives from across the state gathered for the 2024 N.C. Main Street Conference in Goldsboro. The conference took place over three days, from March 12 to March 14.

At the conference, attendees engaged in vital discussions on downtown development led by panelists and keynote speakers. Topics ranged from the challenges faced by American cities and small towns to equity in N.C.’s main streets.ย 

This conference is hosted by Main Street America, an organization dedicated to revitalizing the American downtown. Its mission is to enhance the downtown areas of small cities and towns through preservation-based economic development. 

Preservation-based economic development prioritizes conserving and revitalizing historical assets to stimulate economic growth and community prosperity.

Cherryville’s leadership has dedicated itself to instilling preservation-based economic development through the Main Street program. The businesses that are coming to Cherryville are occupying historic buildings.

For example, the recently renovated YMCA now stands where Cherry Motors, a former car dealership, was located. According to the Main Street America website, the organization has helped over 2000 communities bring businesses back downtown. 

Mayor Beam was one of 40 individuals to receive a Main Street Champion award. David Day, Cherryville’s Downtown Director, stated in a press release that past recipients of the award include Bob Barker, Vickie Spurling, Sherry Bingham and others.

The Mayor is honored to be named a Main Street Champion. In an email, he said he was surprised to be nominated.

“I have supported the Main Street program since its inception some 11 years ago. One of the first projects when I was elected Mayor in 2013 was to get our council on board with the benefits of this program,” said Mayor Beam.ย 

He has been the mayor for 12 years and has lived in Cherryville for his whole life. If there is one commonly uttered sentiment about Mayor Beam, it is that he loves Cherryville greatly.

Since adopting the Main Street program, the rural city of Cherryville has witnessed a downtown revival. Formerly vacant storefronts now house thriving businesses, with more on the way.

A black and white logo for the wise news network.
A picture of the storefronts along Main Street. Thursday, March 21, 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN).

Notably, the Cherry Pit, a new bar and grill, is nearing completion, with the recent installation of its kitchen ventilation system. Another anticipated project is Johnny Ray’s 5 Spur Steakhouse, which will be situated on Main Street near the Cherryville Historical Museum.

Mayor Beam played a pivotal role in supporting the Main Street program. Under his leadership, the city council secured bonds to finance downtown renovations, addressing issues such as deteriorating buildings and sidewalks.

During the annual convention, a statement commended Mayor Beam and the Cherryville City Council for their efforts in securing bonds for Main Street. Following the challenges posed by COVID-19, the influx of businesses signals a fresh start for downtown.

Mayor Beam expressed gratitude to his staff, volunteers, constituents and Cherryville Main Street personnel for their unwavering support.

Mayor H.L. Beam's
A seating area along Main Street. From the bench, residents can see the New Year’s Shooters mural. Thursday, March 21, 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN).

This year, Mayor Beam, Downtown Director Day, City Manager Brian Dalton and Donna Beringer, Chair of the Cherryville Main Street Program, all attended the Main Street conference in Goldsboro. City Manager Dalton praised Mayor Beam for his support and leadership, acknowledging his instrumental role in Cherryville’s recent development.

“He’s been willing to step out there and do hard things. It is hard to say: We are going to tear up Main Street and we are going to put in new infrastructure, we are going to put in new sidewalks and we are going to disrupt daily life’, that is a hard decision to make,” said City Manager Dalton.ย 

Mayor Beam saw an image of what Cherryville could be and acted on it, but he couldn’t have done it alone. The current and past members of the city’s staff were also integral in rebuilding the downtown.

Mayor Beam’s dedication to the Main Street program, spanning over a decade, reflects a deep-rooted love for his community. His leadership and the unwavering support of city officials, staff and volunteers, have brought about transformations that all residents can enjoy.ย 

Mayor H.L. Beam's
The Gazebo Park in Cherryville. Thursday, March 21, 2024, by Mason Beam (WNN).

Stop by one of the new restaurants, sit at one of the red tables around town or admire the new landscaping. Revel in the changes and anticipate new ones on the horizon. By doing so, Cherryville residents can show appreciation for the work of their mayor and city staff.

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