Sherry Hux, a native of Roanoke Rapids, will lead the city’s Main Street program as interim director following Lance Jenkins’ announcement he would be stepping down.
The Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance made the announcement at its monthly luncheon this afternoon.
“I would like to thank RABA for the confidence they have placed in me by asking me to serve as the manager of our Main Street program,” Hux said.
Hux left Roanoke Rapids after finishing high school but returned about six years ago. She owned her own business, which is something she feels will be to her advantage while serving as interim director. “I feel my past experiences as a small business owner will be beneficial in moving this program forward as we support our local businesses and work to attract new businesses to our district.”
Hux said she felt compelled to serve upon returning to Roanoke Rapids. “It saddened me to see the deterioration of the avenue and I wondered how this could have happened to such a vibrant business district.”
She remembers when the avenue bustled. “I have been a part of this organization for many years now and I am excited to be able to assume this important role in moving our efforts forward as we work to bring life to the avenue.”
In taking the interim director job, Hux will step down from her presidency of the Halifax County Arts Council at the end of the month. “The time is right for me to focus in another direction and I am honored and humbled by the faith that has been shown by the RABA board asking I take this position for this very important program.”
She told RABA board members and avenue business owners she believes in the Main Street program. “Our program is strong and will continue to move forward. I assure you RABA will continue to work hard to effect change in this business district by supporting our existing businesses while promoting new businesses within the district with an emphasis on historic preservation.”
Hux called on the cooperation of the community to make the program work. “This business district belongs to us all. This is not RABA’s main street, this your business district.”
Steve Dennis, president of the RABA board, said Hux was instrumental in crafting the proposal that led Roanoke Rapids to get the Main Street designation. She has attended state Main Street manager’s training and numerous workshops.
“Our board of directors is confident that Sherry will handle the day to day business of providing business and property owners, the city and community the resources, knowledge and quality interaction in the friendly, knowledgeable manner they have come to expect when working with RABA.”
Jenkins, who has accepted a job with Farm Bureau to become the Conway area agent, will work closely with Hux during the transitional period, officials said
Liz Parham, director of the Urban Development Division of the state Department of Commerce, also touted the board’s decision to give Hux the nod.
“Because of Ms. Hux’s familiarity with Roanoke Rapids’ historic business district and the training she has received through the North Carolina Main Street Center, she has the appropriate knowledge and skills to see the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance through this critical transition period and help them maintain the momentum they have achieved over the last year,” she said in a press release.
