Benjamin Moore Agrees: Sanford's Main Street Matters

Sanford's dedicated voters pulled out a huge win last week when Benjamin Moore announced that Sanford is among the top 20 winners in the Main Street Matters competition.

Downtown Sanford, Inc and the City of Sanford relied mainly on social media like Facebook and Twitter to get the word out about the contest and to remind users to vote daily.

The win means that Benjamin Moore will supply paint and paint services for three blocks in downtown Sanford. Learn more about the contest here.

Timeline: "We’ll be working with each town over the next year with the help of local Benjamin Moore retailers and local painting contractors," Benjamin Moore stated on its website. For Sanford, that means the company will work closely with McNeill Paint & Decorating Store on Woodland Avenue.

"We're proud to be part of the concept, and that our business could have a hand in this," said Jody McNeill, who runs the family business with his brother Marty.

Edward Giunco, Benjamin Moore rep for the region, was the force behind Sanford's nomination. Giunco works closely with the McNeills and was happy to have the chance to help revitalize Sanford. "They asked us to nominate real towns full of hard working, average people," Giunco explained. "Sanford fit the bill -- and I can't wait to see what happens next."

Sanford beat out 110 other cities and communities and was one of only two cities in the Southeastern U.S. to win. Other winners include Macon, Ga., Joplin, Mo., Flint, Mich., Sheboygan, Wis., and Hilo, Hawaii.

[Read local coverage in The Sanford Herald, Raleigh News & Observer, and Triangle Business Journal.]