3 downtown Wilson businesses receive statewide recognition as 'certified destinations'

WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Downtown Wilson is home to three "Certified Destination Businesses" recognized by the state's commerce department.

From Manteo to Murphy, 33 small businesses received a Certified North Carolina Destination Business recognition after participating in a pilot program from the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Wilson is home to three of them: WhirliDogs Cafe & Training Center, Wilson Paint & Wallpaper Center, and Artisan Leaf.

Wilson Chamber of Commerce President Ryan Simons says it's a testament to the town's downtown growth.

"The growth and momentum that we're experiencing here in Wilson, especially in our downtown area, has just been tremendous," he said. "We've always wanted Wilson to be a destination for business. We're a destination for investment, a destination for visitors."

The Cafe the Community Built

It was an eight year journey for the WhirliDogs Cafe & Training Center to open its doors.

Wesley Trump is the program manager and says all the money raised to open the store came from the community.

"It was definitely community support," she said. "There's no way I could have done this alone."

She used to work as a special education teacher for years before deciding to open a store that would train and hire those with differing abilities.

The recognition as a Certified North Carolina Destination Business is allowing for them to show others what they're capable of doing.

"We're getting couples with young children with disabilities," she said. "They can say, 'Hey, he looks just like you, you know, working.' Changing that whole mindset."

A history of a personalized approach at painting

For more than fifty years, there has always been a place in downtown Wilson to get a personalized touch when finding the perfect coat of paint for any project.

The store has changed ownership and its name a few times, but the history of service remains the same.

Bobby Jenkins is now the owner of the Wilson Paint and Wallpaper Center. He says his goal is to maintain that history of having a personalized approach at helping customers.

"We are keeping up with the formulas that people use, whether it be five years or ten years or 40 years later," said Jenkins.

Jenkins says his store is also the only minority-owned paint store in North Carolina.

He says their Certified North Carolina Destination Business recognition has taught him ways to better market the store.

Now, he says they've gotten customers from as far away as Wake Forest.

Pieces with a connection to Wilson's rich heritage

Artisan Leaf is no stranger to downtown Wilson, and their pieces incorporate an iconic part of Wilson's heritage.

"We are the world's only tobacco furniture manufacturer that we know of," said co-owner Reggie Harrison.

The company sources tobacco leaves from farms around Wilson into its pieces.

They make a number of products utilizing the leaves, like wall panels, bar tops, and end tables.

Harrison says the recognition is not just important for his business, but for all of downtown.

"We're proud of everybody in the community," he said.

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