| Audrey Whetten, New Executive Director Of Uptown Shelby Association |
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She is young, a UNC Chapel Hill graduate, and in one word “refreshing”. This is new Executive Director of Uptown Shelby Association, Audrey Whetten.
When I first met her she had just arrived in town and had only been here for three days. I was immediately struck by her smile and command of the situation. When asked how she found us she replied: “I’ve known about Shelby as a pillar Main Street community for awhile, but I learned about the position of Executive Director through the network of Main Street professionals in North Carolina.” Audrey Whetten graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2011. She is unique within her family. Her parents and brother are North Carolina State people. In college, her major was French and her minor City Planning. She studied abroad in France three different times, the most recent being six months she spent there during college. Her first job upon graduating was in Clinton, North Carolina as a planner and Main Street staff, focusing on downtown revitalization. At UNC she discovered the field of central city revitalization and development and knew that she had found her passion. She loved the challenges it brought and was hooked!
One must not let her age be a deterrent to the mission and challenge she has ahead of her. Her sophistication and maturity is well beyond what anyone might expect. She has the experience, drive, and knowledge which should prove very beneficial to the Uptown Shelby Association. She will explicitly tell you what her mission is and what she intends to accomplish. She has set her goals high and displays the determination to definitely “get it done”. As previously stated she is, in a word, “very refreshing!”
After spending some time with her you are won over and come away with a positive impression. She said: “When I visited Shelby, it was evident there is a lot of energy and momentum in Uptown. I can tell that the people are dedicated to the community and to helping make it an even better place to live. Uptown already has a history of success and so much to offer; it’s exciting for me to have the opportunity to join the community and be a part of the momentum.”
Her time in France definitely added to her self confidence and sophistication. She claims that her ideal situation at Uptown would be to: “see sidewalks busy with foot traffic, and to have all the spaces in Uptown filled with vibrant businesses on the bottom with upper story residential above them. The businesses, attractions, and events would draw visitors from throughout Shelby, Cleveland County and the region.”
She is very excited about the opening of the Earl Scruggs Center. She sees it as a major draw to Uptown. She added that: “The Main Street Program is fundamentally economic development within the context of historic preservation, which is accomplished through the balanced and comprehensive Four Point Approach.”
Audrey also feels there are responsibilities of Uptown Shelby stakeholders. “Businesses, employees, organizations and property owners within the Uptown district are partners in our efforts to develop commerce and enhance the quality of life.” She wants their participation and feels it is important to continued success and a foundation to reach new heights of success in Uptown.
She seeks to avail herself to any and all who will join her in her determined mission to accomplish her goals. She desires full partnerships with any and all in Uptown and beyond. Her programs being developed are all inclusive.
Established in 1980, and incorporated in 1982, Uptown Shelby Association operates the Main Street program in Shelby. The Uptown Shelby Association was one of the first five Main Street Associations in North Carolina and one of the first 30 Main Street programs nationally under the pilot program launched by the National Trust For Historic Preservation. |
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