About Destination Downtown Edenton
Our Impact
Destination Downtown Edenton now doing business as Main Street Edenton is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the charm, vitality, and economic health of historic downtown Edenton. We work to support existing businesses, recruit new investment, and foster a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Mission Statement
The mission of Main Street Edenton is to provide leadership dedicated to the preservation, promotion, recruitment and enhancement of Downtown Edenton in a spirit of cooperation.
Vision Statement
Nestled in the heart of the Inner Banks, Edenton is a vibrant community brimming with natural beauty and living history. Immerse yourself in coastal waterways and wetlands as you explore key 18th and 19th-century personalities and architecture. Wander our walkable streets lined with local shops and restaurants in the first colonial capital of North Carolina. Where the river meets the sound, you’ll meet Edenton.
Leadership
Ches Chesson
Executive Director
Ches is a native Edentonian. He was born and raised in Edenton before attending the Naval Academy. Ches went on to serve in the United States Navy for 11 years as a Naval Aviator before earning his MBA at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Shortly after, he returned to Edenton with his family. Ches is passionate about the success of downtown Edenton and aims to keep the commercial district thriving while retaining the historic charm that Edenton offers its residents and visitors alike.
Timmy Turner
Timmy has spent the last 18 years working in small-town restaurants and retail in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Carolina, and has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Literature from Winona State University. His love for people and his passion for collaboration and communication have happily brought him to the Main Street community. Having spent 4 years (and counting) working in downtown Edenton retail at Surf, Wind, and Fire, Timmy is committed to fostering support, collaboration, and growth among the merchants, residents, town officials and town employees that make up our community.
Our Pillars
Economic Vitality
Our efforts focus on supporting local businesses through tailored resources, networking, and advocacy—ensuring entrepreneurs and investors have the tools to succeed and contribute to a sustainable downtown.
Design
We work closely with property owners and local government to maintain the beauty and authenticity of Edenton’s architecture. Our Façade Grant program and policy advocacy protect the historical appeal that makes Edenton unique.
Organization
Bringing together community leaders, volunteers, and partners, we build a unified vision for Edenton’s future. With collaboration at our core, we work alongside the local Tourism Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and Edenton Chowan Partnership.
Promotion
Our events, from Boogie on Broad to Sounds of Summer, showcase Edenton as a lively cultural hub. Through promotions and community events, we create a vibrant downtown where all are welcome.
North Carolina Main Street Rural Planning Center
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program. Main Street America™ is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As one of the first Main Street America™ Coordinating Programs designated in 1980, NC Main Street inspires placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies. The NC Main Street staff is charged by the NC Department of Commerce to facilitate downtown economic development using the Main Street America Four-Point Approach. The Main Street Approach™ focuses on economic development strategies to transform downtown. These strategies articulate a focused path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown economy. Designated NC Main Street community’s work is organized around the Four-Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
Learn more about the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
The National Main Street Program | Main Street America™
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program. Main Street America™ is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As one of the first Main Street America™ Coordinating Programs designated in 1980, NC Main Street inspires placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies. The NC Main Street staff is charged by the NC Department of Commerce to facilitate downtown economic
development using the Main Street America Four-Point Approach. The Main Street Approach™ focuses on economic development strategies to transform downtown. These strategies articulate a focused path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown economy. Designated NC Main Street community’s work is organized around the Four-Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
Interested in Volunteering?
Destination Downtown Edenton thrives off of your volunteer support. If you’re passionate about Downtown Edenton and would like to help out, please fill out the volunteer form or contact us via email.
