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Joy Almond, director of the City of Albemarle Main Street Program and Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC), has accepted a position as a Main Street Program Specialist with the North Carolina Main Street Program, a division of the NC Department of Commerce.
Almond will officially step down from her role with the City of Albemarle following the downtown Christmas parade on Dec. 14.
“My work over the past nine years with the City and ADDC, first as the part-time assistant and then as the Main Street Manager for seven years, has been meaningful. I am most grateful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people here in Albemarle to build a downtown community we can be proud of,” said Almond.
The City of Albemarle is a North Carolina Main Street community, designated by the N.C. Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center. The Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation is a non-profit tasked with administering the Main Street program at the local level and fostering public-private partnerships to drive economic development, with measurable outcomes such as investment, business growth, and job creation.
Almond was responsible for organizing City events such as the annual Fall Festival, an Albemarle
Downtown Christmas and Christmas Parade. In her work with the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation, Almond worked to raise funds for the non-profit through donations, grants and events such as the Stanly County Winter Wine Festival, Holiday Tour of Homes and the Outdoorsman’s Bonanza.  Monies raised go to beautification projects, economic stimulus grants, and upkeep of ADDC-managed properties such as Market Station and Courthouse Square Park.
“Joy has done a remarkable job building relationships with downtown business owners and encouraging entrepreneurship in our community. For years, she has been the point person for engaging events in our downtown and has played a key role in beautification efforts. We are truly grateful for all her contributions to the City,” said Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael.
The search for a new director of the City of Albemarle Main Street Program and Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) will begin immediately.