County tourism agency honors county administration and Downtown Asheboro Inc. leader

ASHEBORO — In its final meeting of 2025, the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) presented awards to Addie Corder and the county administration team.

TDA staff members Brooke Thomas and Annette Cagle recognized the county Administrative Services team for the Hospitality Hero Award. The team includes County Management, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, Public Information, County Wellness, Legal Services, Risk Management, Human Resources, and Finance which includes Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing, Budgeting and Fiscal Control.

The county departments were cited since “the most vital work happens quietly behind the scenes, ensuring every other department, every elected official, and every essential service runs flawlessly. Today, we shine a spotlight on the departments that provide the structure, stability and integrity that allow us to serve our citizens effectively. You are the unseen backbone, the heartbeat and compass of our county.”

TDA Director Amber Scarlett revealed that Addie Corder was the 2025 winner of the Mary Joan Pugh Excellence in Hospitality Award. Corder is executive director Scarlett said Corder, a Randolph County native, “has a heart to build a better Asheboro. She lives and breathes our values.”

As DAI director, Scarlett said, Corder “has a clear and exciting vision and strategies for downtown Asheboro.”

Among her successes, Scarlett said, “demonstrated true courage when the costs for our successful concert series skyrocketed. Instead of pulling back, 

(she) doubled down. (She) made the difficult but necessary choice to double their sponsorship request.

“This was a huge risk, but by leading with honesty and authenticity, (she) strengthened relationships with our sponsors, proving that the greatest lesson in risk-taking is that transparency is the true foundation of a strong partnership.

“But perhaps the single project that best defines (her) impact, the one (she is) the proudest to claim ownership of, is the sale of the Acme McCrary Mill. This project faced countless hurdles and almost fell through, but because of this leader’s constant pivoting and unwavering persistence, a vacant building will soon be transformed into over 150 apartments! That is a legacy that will redefine our skyline and our community for decades.”In accepting the award, Corder said, “I really love home.” She had returned to the county after spending time as a land-use planner for the Cumberland County Planning Department. “I’m grateful the (Asheboro) City Council have given me the opportunity (with DAI).”

Corder added that her new son’s name is Worth. When people ask her where the name came from, she tells them it’s a downtown Asheboro name, referring to Worth Street, and that there were times when people named their sons after Gov. Jonathan Worth of Asheboro.

After the award presentations, Melody Varner of the TDA and Richard Schoenberger of Manor House Creations revealed the cover of the 2026 Official Travel Guide. This year’s guide has a focus on “family experiences in the Heart of North Carolina.”

The idea is that Randolph County has family-friendly and unique attractions and features activities not only in the county but among the nine municipalities.

The TDA will have 75,000 copies of the Travel Guide to be distributed in various locations around the state including the twin Visitor Centers on I-73/I-74 south of Seagrove.