Who We Are

The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization that aims to foster Mount Holly’s growth in a sustainable manner. We collaborate with City government, local and regional partners, and we encourage citizen participation.

> return to top
 

Mission, Vision & Goals

The mission of the Foundation is to advance the health, general welfare and prosperity of the Mount Holly Area.

To achieve this, the Foundation’s resources are directed toward quality growth and development of the area; and promotion of healthy lifestyles, so that citizens from all segments of the community prosper economically, have a strong sense of community identity and maintain good health. The Foundation also works to develop a unified public spirit and acts so as to reflect the highest aspirations, ethical behavior and civility among the citizens of the community on issues affecting the area.

> return to top
 

History

Vision Process
The Mount Holly Community Development Foundation was borne out of a city-wide Vision Process, launched by City Council in January 2003. At the end of this 6-week period, 150 citizen stakeholders identified the quality elements they wanted to define their community.

3 Driving Values were identified:

  • Strengthen city image
  • Promote strong economy
  • Advance quality of life


The Rediscovered River
The vision process firmly established that Mount Holly’s most enduring and valuable asset is its 10-mile long Catawba riverfront. Key projects proposed by the Executive Vision Team included:

  • Great Streets Downtown
  • Linear Park connecting Downtown to the River
  • Gateway Park and Highway 27 Gateway

Bond Referendum
City Council took their recommendations and crafted a $5,000,000 bond referendum package..In addition to the above projects, the Vision included allowing mixed drinks, beer and wine sales, and an ABC store. Vision advocates campaigned door to door for two months. The resulting vote in June 2003 was a 2 to 1 majority - the largest voter turnout for a non-presidential election in Mount Holly!

Defining Mount Holly’s Vision
The following key themes emerged:

  • Preserve and enhance the best of our distinct, historic community.
  • Project and market a strong city image to the region and to our citizens, as Mount Holly transitions from a manufacturing town to a services and information economy.
  • Develop our most precious assets - our river and our creeks - for the public benefit of our town and the region.
  • Ensure that as we grow and prosper, we nurture and improve connections between neighbors and neighborhoods; recognize our strongest asset is our sense of community and belonging.

Expanding the Vision
The next question was “Where do we go from here?” The group decided to expand the vision by creating the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation. They developed a mission: “To advance the health, general welfare and prosperity of the people in the Mount Holly area.” Their motto was “Leadership is the ability to create an environment where things get done.”

The Approach was to include all stakeholders, achieve goals, stay positive, emphasize assets, and promote education. Motivation grew from a strong sense of urgency to:

  • Manage the impact of I-485
  • Stake our claim to the Catawba River and US National Whitewater Park
  • Protect our natural areas, river and creeks
  • Expect and guide quality development
  • Focus on the heart of Mount Holly, our historic downtown
  • Establish hiking and biking Greenway trails that link to downtown

5-Year Measurable Goals
The Foundation believes that specific measureable goals needed to be established in order to maintain focus and determine progress. Some of these goals identified in 2003 are still in progress; others have been realized:

  • 1,500 new jobs in the area – Ongoing, in partnership with City, County and business leaders
  • $20 million capital investment – Underway with public and private individual and corporate funds
  • 8 miles of greenway – First property easement signed in 2010; 30% construction plans completed in 2009; survey of exact trail location completed in 2009
  • Attractive downtown historic district – Continuing to develop
  • 2 new Gateways – Even more are in development
  • Foundation Staff and Office – in 2008 hired Executive Director; office opened downtown in 2009

Guiding Theme: The River is Mount Holly’s Identity and Our Future

  • Mount Holly has a river as its centerpiece, the greenest, most undeveloped portion of the Catawba, and the closest section to uptown Charlotte
  • Our river and creeks can add major value to Mount Holly and to the region
  • We can protect our natural areas, while sharing them with the public in a responsible and educational way
  • We can accomplish this potential through a network of Greenways
  • The Greenway System would be designed to attract developers, residents and businesses that value health, physical fitness, and respect for the environment

Continuing the Journey
Situated on the banks of the Catawba River, Mount Holly is emerging as the center of a regional river district, reinforced by its proximity to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Today, the Foundation continues to work toward the development and construction of our first model greenway we call the “Riverwalk”. While this remains a primary focus of the Foundation, we continue to host a variety of events and programs that enliven downtown and foster community pride. Please join us!

View the 2010 MHCDF Annual Report

View the 2011 MHCDF Annual Report

2011 MHCDF Accomplishments:
Click Here to view a presentation on the 2011 Accomplishments of the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation. 

> return to top
 

Board of Directors

2012 Executive Board:
Lauren Shoemaker, Chair
Donna Ledoux, Treasurer
Gary Neely, Secretary
Cindy Michael, Vice Chair
Robert D. Black, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer


Board of Directors:
Charlene Aviles
Lee Beatty
Sue Camacho
Robbie Elting
David Hamrick
Barbara Lawrence
Barbara Linster
Bob Mageau
Josh Motes

 

> return to top

Committees

Committees are the heart and soul of the Mount Holly Foundation, spearheading projects and programs that foster community spirit and unity. We are grateful for the time and efforts of our volunteer committee members, who make our community diverse and vibrant.

There are many ways to get involved in the Mount Holly Foundation. Please check out the links below to find the area that interests you the most:

Community Image Downtown Revitalization
 Events & Art Greenways Membership

> return to top

Our Partners

Strong partnerships are essential to any community’s growth and sustainability. The Foundation works closely with our local and regional municipal and civic organizations, businesses, non-profit organizations, members, volunteers, and the community at large.

Our many Foundation Partners, listed below, provide operational and project support, along with the resources to successfully implement our programs.

 

> return to top