The mission of the group, however, remains unchanged as it seeks to improve the Roanoke Avenue business district.

“I think there's a lot of positive momentum,” Caudle said following a morning meeting of the board today. “That's what has impressed me there is so much private support.”

Liz Parham, director of the state Main Street Center, told the group she was pleased with the direction it is going after acceptance into the program in 2009.

Thus far, she said there have been 25 facade improvements in the corridor along with 27 building renovations. The efforts have resulted in a net gain of 146 jobs, along with 36 new businesses as well as one business expansion.

Public investment into the program has totaled $332,000 while private investment has totaled $956,000 for a total investment of $1.2 million.

Parham said there have been six new public improvement projects as well as 4,327 volunteer hours put in, which in dollar figures equates to a $91,000 time investment.

“You've certainly had successful projects since you began,” Parham said.

Those successes include a partnership with the Halifax County Arts Council for a mural at the southern entrance of the avenue as well the facade improvements.

They include the former Festival of the Roanoke as well as the upcoming Seafood and Shag Festival on May 30 at Centennial Park.

The other successes, she said, include implementing administrative and procedural practices, and putting in window displays in a vacant business and lobbying for a sidewalk dining ordinance.

Parham said one of the things the Main Street needs to look at is marketing the river. “The river is one of your biggest assets. You need to come up with ideas that set you apart.”