- Ann Welton was recognized as a 2025 NC Main Street Champion during the 2026 NC Main Street Awards Conference on March 12 in New Bern, NC.
- Welton was one of 42 individuals and organizations from across the state to receive the honor in recognition of their commitment to downtown revitalization and building strong communities.
WAKE FOREST, NC – Ann Welton was recognized as a 2025 NC Main Street Champion during the 2026 NC Main Street Awards Conference on March 12 in New Bern, NC.
Welton was one of 42 individuals and organizations from across the state to receive the honor in recognition of their commitment to downtown revitalization and building strong communities. This year’s group of Main Street Champions brings the total number of recipients to 1,004 since 2000. Other recent Wake Forest Main Street Champions include Stephanie Brown, ARTS Wake Forest, Lisa Hayes, the Wake Forest Garden Club, Doug Pearce, Carter Harrell, and James Warren.
"Recognizing Main Street Champions is one of the most meaningful traditions of our conference," said NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center Director Liz Parham. "They truly demonstrate the theme of this year’s event, ‘Inspiring Impactful Change’, and their efforts leave a lasting impact on the places they call home."
A former president of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wake Forest Community Council’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, Welton is a former member of the Wake Forest Historic Preservation Commission. She currently serves on the Friends of the Senior Center and volunteers with Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., ARTS Wake Forest, and the Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club.
A Wake Forest resident since 2006, Welton says getting involved in the community was always a priority.
“One of the first things I did was join the Historic Preservation Commission,” said Welton. “It was important to me to help preserve the character and history of this town. I love feeling like I am making a contribution whether it is an event or something more long term, like the (installation of) historic plaques on the buildings. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to continue the vibrancy of our downtown. I don’t do any of this for recognition, but it feels wonderful to know I am making a difference.”
Downtown Development Director Jennifer Herbert says Welton embodies what Main Street Champions are all about.
“Ann’s efforts are a testament to her dedication to the continued success of our downtown,” said Herbert. “No one is more committed to ensuring ours remains a vibrant downtown that honors its history while at the same time embracing progress.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Herbert at 919-435-9427 or jherbert@wakeforestnc.gov.