EDEN, N.C. -- The City of Eden has big plans for their downtown area and have some awards to show for it!
The city recently won two 2014 Main Street Awards. Main Street picks submissions built on economic development in four different categories: organization, economic restructuring, design and promotion.
The RCC Center for Brewing Services program at Rockingham Community College won in the organization category. The program is the first of its kind to be offered in the U.S. Students learn how to make beer and mead.
The program was started due to the significant growth in the craft beer industry. All of the ingredients required for beer and mead are grown in Rockingham County and Eden and has a close connection with the MillerCoors brewery. The objective is to provide the necessary training for potential employees of area breweries, beverage entrepreneurs, and those who simply had an interest in making beer for their pleasure.
RCC wanted its outreach into Rockingham County communities. Creating a beer-oriented program was a natural idea in view of Eden having a major brewery. The RCC President and Eden Downtown Development Corporation Executive Director discussed a downtown location.
The credit program had eight first year students as it was a fledgling program. After one year, seven of the eight students had found jobs in the brewing industry. The 2014-15 credit program has 24 students. The non-credit program drew 125 students.
To learn more about the brewing program, click here.
The Washington Street Lofts won in the economic restructuring category. The Lofts were created on the top floor of the 646 Washington Street building. The historic building was built in 1901 and originally home to the Bank of Leaksville.
The City hopes by bringing more apartments and breweries, that more people will gravitate towards the downtown area. Mike Doughtery, the Executive Director for the Eden Downtown Development Corporation told WFMY News 2 the apartments have already added more value to downtown and others are expressing interest in doing more business in the area.
Stay connected 24/7 via WFMY News 2
Get the WFMY News 2 App free in the Apple store and the WFMY News 2 Weather App which is also free in the Apple store.
