Downtown Clayton Awards Celebrate Community Leaders
Downtown Clayton thrives because of people who believe in it. Volunteers, business owners, and community leaders each play a role in keeping Main Street active and welcoming.
The Downtown Development Advisory Board presented the 2025 Downtown Contributor Award to Clayton Town Councilmember Porter Casey during the Downtown Awards celebration on February 24, at Church Spirits and Cocktails in Clayton. The honor recognizes someone who consistently supports downtown through leadership, advocacy, and hands-on involvement.
Nominations described Casey as steady, approachable, and committed to Clayton’s long-term success. From supporting local events to encouraging collaboration among business owners, he has remained actively engaged in efforts that strengthen the downtown district. His involvement reflects both his role as an elected official and his personal investment in the community.
When Casey accepted the award, he shifted the focus away from himself. In an unexpected and meaningful moment, he invited several community members to join him, emphasizing that Downtown Clayton’s progress depends on shared effort.
Casey presented Downtown Contributor Awards to Michele Molinaro, Erin Belcher, Erin Nenni and Christi Thompson.
Molinaro’s work connects thousands of residents each day. As the creator and manager of “Crazy for Clayton,” a Facebook community with more than 17,000 followers, Molinaro keeps residents informed while championing local businesses and events. She helped to plan the Pink Friday event in Horne Square, and she is a member of Clayton Women in Networking, a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and more. Her behind-the-scenes coordination and consistent volunteer support have helped strengthen relationships across the community.
Even after Belcher relocated her business, Dylan’s Cafe and Unique Gifts, to Smithfield, she continued investing her time in Downtown Clayton. She served for many years on the Downtown Development Advisory Board where she helped generate new ideas to increase activity and engagement along Main Street, serving as co-chair on the promotions committee. Colleagues describe her as thoughtful, dependable, and generous with her time.
Finally, Casey recognized Erin Nenni and Christi Thompson for their shared vision and dedication to downtown. Together, they have helped shape the district through three businesses – The Market at Three Little Birds, LaDiDa Wine Bar, and The Station – each contributing to Clayton’s appeal as a place to shop, dine, and gather. They are also known for mentoring fellow entrepreneurs and offering steady encouragement to other small business owners.
By inviting others forward, Casey reinforced a simple but powerful message: downtown success is never the work of one person. The Contributor Award bears his name this year, but it reflects the collective energy of neighbors who continue investing their time, ideas, and commitment into Clayton’s future.
