Written by Christina Gordon Friday, 27 August 2010 15:05

We are eager to begin working relationships with both Charles Williams, Main Street Director with the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance (RABA), and Lance Jenkins, Manager of the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail.

Charles Williams is an NC native, born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, and did his undergraduate and graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill, earning a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning in May. While in graduate school, he was the manager of the small business incubator for EmPOWERment, Inc. in Chapel Hill.

He has also been a part of teams that conducted a highway corridor study in Kinston which led to the City receiving a $400,000 Golden Leaf grant for streetscape improvements, created the Northeast-Central Durham Neighborhood Plan, and conducted research to analyze opportunities for Robbins, NC’s burnt down mill site (in partnership with the NC Small Towns Main Street Program). Williams authored a case study on the Small Business Network in the All-American Defense Corridor around Fayetteville/Ft. Bragg, NC.

"As the Main Street Director for RABA, my job is to bring businesses back to the Roanoke Avenue business district, support the businesses that are already there, and get the people of Roanoke Rapids to enjoy the Avenue and be proud of their city," said Williams. "RABA is working closely with many entities, including the City of Roanoke Rapids, Halifax Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, and Halifax Community College Small Business Center."

Williams loves the outdoors, from hiking, biking, being out on the water, Geocaching, basketball, Ultimate Frisbee and discovering new places (big and small).

"My wife and I have enjoyed being in Roanoke Rapids for the month we’ve been here, and we’re excited to grow with the City!," he said.

Lance Jenkins is a Chowan University graduate, who is pursuing his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Norwich University in Vermont. He began work at the museum on August 14. Jenkins is a Northampton County native and currently resides in Conway.

Jenkins was the Assistant Director of Admissions at Chowan University, but having a passion for history, he jumped at the chance to lead the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail when the opportunity presented itself.

"I think that we can make the RCM &T one of the nicest and most well-attended facilities in Eastern North Carolina," said Jenkins. "I envision more programming and want people to feel that the museum is a comfortable environment. Additional educational and fitness opportunities will give people a sense of belonging to the museum."