Washington, N.C. Named 2019 Small Town of the Year | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:


    RALEIGH     Washington, North Carolina, was named as the 2019 Small Town of the Year at this year's NC Rural Assembly, held in Raleigh on November 21 and 22. Hosted annually by the NC Rural Center, the Rural Assembly is the state's premier event focused on the big issues facing North Carolina's rural communities.

    The award recognizes a town that embraces citizen engagement, values diversity, and fosters strong partnerships. To be recognized for this award, the town must promote innovative economic development initiatives and programs as well as an entrepreneur-friendly environment. The town must also be recognized as having demonstrated resourcefulness, diligence, and creativity in how it builds an economic future for all its residents.

    The award was presented by the NC Rural Center senior director of programs, Misty Herget, and Rural Center board secretary and Rocky Mount city councilor-elect, Lige Daughtridge.

    "In the past few years, Washington has become a great tourist destination and a welcoming community for those who call it home," said Herget. "In the face of natural disasters, Washington has become more resilient and strategic in its planning for the future."

    Accepting the award on behalf of the Beaufort County town was Mayor Mac Hodges and City Manager Jonathan Russell. Russell is also an alumni of the Rural Economic Development Institute, the Rural Center's flagship leadership development program.

    "This award illustrates the hard work our community members have put in to make Washington a city we love," says Russell.

    "The town and the leadership of Washington embody the power a community has when it embraces innovation and collaboration," said NC Rural Center President Patrick Woodie. "It is hard to not be impressed by what Washington has achieved."

• Todd Brantley
• Senior Director of Public Affairs
• NC Rural Center and Thread Capital
• Ph: (919) 250-4314
• tbrantley@ncruralcenter.org