Maxton Mayor Gladys Dean and six town residents joined small town leaders from across the state in Raleigh recently to celebrate the successes of the N.C. Small Towns Economic Prosperity Demonstration Program.

Joining Dean were former Mayor Lillie McCoy, Commissioners Vivian Morrison, Cynthia Johnson, Effie McEachan, resident James McEachan and Town Manager Katrina Tatum.

“Small towns are the heart and soul of North Carolina, but many have been suffering in recent years,” said Billy Ray Hall, president of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center. “We’re pleased that through this project, we’re able to help some small towns create a new reality for themselves and to bring back hope for the American dream, which is that we’ll be able to leave our children and grandchildren a brighter future.”

The celebration marked the conclusion of the first phase of the program, also called NC STEP. A project of the Rural Center, NC STEP seeks to guide small towns in revitalizing their economies through a combination of technical assistance, training opportunities and grants.

“You now have the power to make a change in your community,” Art Jackson, director of the center’s Small Towns Initiative, told the graduating towns. He said they had already done the hardest work by pulling townspeople together, formulating strategies and keeping the enthusiasm alive. “Our grants simply gave you gas for your engines.”

Thirty-three towns, including Maxton, took part in the initial three-year demonstration. Twelve more towns have now joined for a two-year version of the program. Graduating towns will continue to be connected to the STEP network and receive guidance as they carry out their revitalization strategies.