By Kevin Spradlin
PeeDeePost.com
ROCKINGHAM — Jimmy McDonald reached back to his school days to nominate the downtown area’s Featured Business.
McDonald, of Jimmy McDonald Photography, read his nomination letter he sent to Rockingham Downtown Corporation President Susan Kelly. The award was presented Tuesday night at the RDC’s annual banquet and reception at Liberty Place on East Washington Street.
Kevin Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Jeanna Cloninger accepts the Featured Business award from Jimmy McDonald and the Rockingham Downtown Corporation during the RDC’s annual meeting Tuesday night at Liberty Place.
The late Bill Waterman and his wife, Patricia, owned the restaurant. Bill Waterman died Dec. 1, 2014, at the age of 73. He had purchased the building at 110 W. Broad Ave. in 1985. Store manager Jeanna Cloninger accepted the award on behalf of the restaurant. Cloninger said she dedicated the award to Bill Waterman.
McDonald said he met his wife while working at a place that offered “a hands-on learning experience” for not only him but many other entrepreneurs.
“It is the go-to location for people traveling through Rockingham,” McDonald said, noting the California native “took a chance on Rockingham.”
“They trusted they would do well,” McDonald said. “Their management style made it easier. To me, this was a great education.”
Kelly said there were multiple nominations for the first-year award.
“That’s exciting,” Kelly said of the “healthy competition” for recognition.
The event was attended by nearly three dozen people, including former state Sen. and Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin, Rockingham Mayor Steve Morris, Councilwoman Denise Sullivan and Richmond County Commissioner Don Bryant.
Stephanie Spradlin | PeeDeePost.com
Jimmy McDonald said Bill and Patricia Waterman took a chance in buying Dairy Queen in 1985.
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