Your Future Neighbor: Heidi Gilmond
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Downtowns are more than storefronts and sidewalks — they’re where a community’s history, identity, and future come together. In this Meet Your Neighbor feature, we’re excited to introduce Heidi Gilmond, Executive Director of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation. Heidi brings decades of experience in business development and community-building, and a deep appreciation for the role downtowns play in shaping vibrant, connected towns.
In this conversation, Heidi shares what drew her to downtown-focused work, what makes Downtown Smithfield so special, and how residents — both longtime and new — can engage with and support the heart of the community.
What led you to downtown-focused work, and how did you come to Smithfield?
"I spent the majority of my career in international business, manufacturing, for about 17 years. When my husband took a transfer back to the small town we grew up in, there was no manufacturing work available, so I had to make a decision about my career.
I took a job running a convention center located right in the middle of downtown. It was thoughtfully designed as an important feature of our downtown, so in the course of that job it became really important for me to be part of the downtown ecosystem and to build relationships. I got involved with the downtown Business Improvement District, the downtown association, the tourism district, and the Chamber of Commerce.
What I realized was that downtowns really need people focused on business development and the challenges that come with it. A few years later, we decided to make a change and ended up in North Carolina. After being asked a few times to help with downtown Smithfield, I finally agreed to sit down and talk — and I learned there was real opportunity and talent here. "
How would you describe Downtown Smithfield to someone who hasn't spent much time here yet?
"Smithfield was incorporated in 1777, and as someone who grew up on the West Coast where “old” means 1870, I think that history is really cool. You still feel that small-town, agricultural heritage here.
There’s a lot of history, a lot of character, and it’s fun. Downtown is growing, changing, and evolving — just like small towns across America. It’s special, and it continues to evolve with the community."
What do you think makes downtown such an important part of the community's identity?
Downtown is where the town began — where businesses started and neighborhoods grew outward from. It’s incredibly important to the identity of Smithfield. A big part of my work is helping create that sense of identity — something that’s recognizable and meaningful to residents but also inviting to visitors. Downtown reflects everything that’s come before us and everything that’s still to come.
Can you share a bit about the work you're doing to support local businesses and downtown vitality?
"Our work is very community-focused and based on four main points. We focus on design, beautification, and accessibility — things like public art and improving how people experience downtown.
Events are also a big part of what we do. Our Ham & Yam Festival and Fourth of July celebration are our largest signature events, and throughout the year we host events designed to bring people downtown, showcase who we are as a community, and drive foot traffic for local businesses.
Economic vitality is another focus. We’re primarily supporting small businesses, not large corporations. We work to provide resources, guidance, and support to entrepreneurs and to encourage diversity in our downtown business mix.
Finally, we focus on organization and responsibility — using best practices, engaging the community, and working collaboratively with other organizations to take a holistic approach to downtown development.
How can new residents support and engage with downtown?
"First and foremost, explore. There are so many great things to do — outdoor recreation, the Greenway trail, museums, shops, and restaurants.
I’m a big believer in supporting local — shop local, shop small, and try the new restaurants. That support makes a real difference.
The recent opening of Curry Corner is a perfect example — welcoming new businesses into downtown strengthens the entire community.
What excites you most about downtown’s next chapter?
I’m really excited about the growth in our community and all the great things that come with it — new people, new ideas, and new businesses.
Downtown Smithfield is anchored — it’s always been our center — but it’s also always been changing. From 1777 to today, think about everything downtown has seen. I’m thrilled that we get to be part of welcoming new people and helping shape what comes next."
At Local70, we believe strong communities are shaped by the people who invest in them.
Heidi’s work reminds us that Downtown Smithfield isn’t just where the town began — it’s where community continues to happen. Through small businesses, public spaces, and shared experiences, downtown remains the heart of Smithfield.
As Local70 takes shape, we’re proud to highlight the people helping the town thrive today and into the future. We hope you’ll explore downtown, support local, and experience it for yourself.
