Overview

 

The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are a nationally accredited Main Street Community, and are associated with the North Carolina Main Street Center. 

 

The DSDC works to promote downtown as the place to live, work and shop. We offer support to business and property owners within our district through a variety of programs.

 

The majority of our organization’s funding is provided by a Municipal Service District (MSD), made up of 18 blocks in Downtown Smithfield. We also receive funding from the Town of Smithfield, as well as grant-making organizations, sponsors, and private donors.

 

Mission Statement

 

The Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is passionate about revitalizing the heart of our town. Our mission is to foster a vibrant and prosperous downtown area that showcases the best of Smithfield's charm, creativity, and community spirit. We strive to create a thriving hub of activity that attracts visitors, supports local businesses, and enriches the lives of our residents.

 

Vision Statement

 

Nestled between the serenity of the Neuse River and the vitality of Interstate 95, Downtown Smithfield is the center of government, enhanced by thriving, independently-owned businesses.  A destination for the arts, history, shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation, Downtown Smithfield is the cultural center of the community.

 

Board of Directors

 

The DSDC is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 13 members.  Directors are drawn from the downtown community of property and business owners as well as from the community at large. In nominating board members, an effort is made to include every interest that can bring resource and knowledge to the table in service of the organization’s mission. Two board members are ex-officio members: the Mayor of the Town of Smithfield and the Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, or their appointees.  The following individuals currently serve as board members:

 

President Michael Scott

Vice President Mary Reece

Treasurer Bill Johnson

Katie Smith, Secretary 

Carter Jones

Dr. David Barbour

Jan Branch

Kay Kennedy, Kennedy Properties

Brittany Lucas, The Dragonfly Boutique

Mike O’Dowd, SoDoSoPa

Andrew Wagner, Little Brown Jug

 

Ex-Officio Members

Michael Scott, Town of Smithfield Town Manager

Patrick Harris, Johnston County Commissioner

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To email the Board of Directors, please click here.

 

From time to time, opportunities for board membership arise.  Board members serve three-year staggered terms, are expected to attend monthly board meetings, serve on a committee, and take an active role in the organization.  For more information about board member responsibilities, click here. Board member applications are available here.

 

Minutes from previous board meetings are available here once they have been approved by the Board.

Minutes from the 2024 board meetings are available here once they have been approved by the Board.

 

Staff

​Heidi Gilmond

Executive Director

 

Office Location

 

The office of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation is located in the historic Hastings House at 200 South Front Street beside the Town Commons Park and the Neuse River.