By Matthew Christian, town manager • Most people passing through Mount Gilead probably think this is just another sleepy little town, not unlike any of the other historic towns scattered throughout North Carolina. Oh, if they only knew. Recently, it feels like there is so much going on that I can’t keep up with the clock. We’re lucky The Speckled Paw Times can help keep us up to speed on all the developments around town.
I was fortunate enough to land in Mount Gilead shortly after I decided to reboot my career in 2016. At the time some of my closest friends and family questioned this decision. However, it was clear to me that this is a special place full of opportunity. At the time I took stock in the historic downtown, the large community park, access to Lake Tillery, and a seemingly limitless system of trails and other places to explore in nearby state parks and the Uwharrie National Forest. I never doubted for a second that Mount Gilead would be an excellent place to call home. But what I’ve learned since is that people are truly what make Mount Gilead special.
This town is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated group of people committed to our mutual success. From neighbors to downtown merchants to industry leaders, Mount Gilead is blessed with a sense of community, which is quite refreshing during a time when we’re often distracted by phones and email and social media. Recently, this culture of community support, combined with our beautiful buildings and long history, attracted the interest of many others from around the state. I am currently working on projects with folks from UNC Charlotte, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and other private professional networks who have all taken an interest in Mount Gilead. Not too long ago it would’ve been a dream to work with any one of these excellent organizations. What’s special now is that they are all coming to us, and it’s only a matter of time before others follow.