04/02/2026
one of the kindest people in our community. We ♥️ Ms. Loretta Cozart
People of Kings Mountain
"In middle and high school, I was blessed to have teachers who guided me toward a college education and supported me throughout the process. Since nobody in my family had ever attended college, I was totally clueless about that process. I am so grateful to so many people who helped shape me into the person I am. It is humbling. I think that is why I wanted to take this role as the Executive Director of Kings Mountain Forward: I have much to give back to the people who gave me so much.
"I was born in Gastonia and lived the first year of my life in Lowell and Cramerton. When I was one, my parents moved to Kings Mountain, and my father bought our house on Gant Street, where I lived until I was 22.
"I attended North School, Kings Mountain Junior High School (Central), the Middle School, and Kings Mountain High School. In my sophomore year, I remember thinking, 'This time is going to fly by so quickly,' and it did!' I graduated from high school in 1978 and attended UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1982.
"Right out of college, my husband and I got married and moved to Austin, Texas, where he went to grad school. Then we moved around the country a bit before moving to Charlotte in 1987, and raised our daughters.
"Kings Mountain has always been my 'home.' And when I think of my hometown, it is the dearest place to my heart.
"I have many friends here in Kings Mountain, and I see them around town all the time. That really makes work more fun.
"In my job, I have been honored to work with wonderful business owners throughout the city, my Board of Directors, and the city staff over the last two years.
"There’s never a dull moment at Kings Mountain Forward. One of the more exciting things we do is economic development. Currently, two buildings in downtown Kings Mountain are under new ownership. Three are under contract, and eight are undergoing improvements. That's approximately $4.4 million in active downtown reinvestment. Two new businesses were launched in the last quarter, with additional leases in progress.
"Probably our best-known program is our website, discoverkingsmountain.com, the marketing outreach arm of Kings Mountain Forward. We partner with the city of Kings Mountain and post festivals and events, things to do, places to stay, stories, trails, and how to plan your visit. This website invites folks in our region, as well as in both North and South Carolina, to visit your town and enjoy the many amenities we offer.
"If someone wants their business listed on our website directory, they just need to share that information with me at [email protected]. The business must be in the city of Kings Mountain or in the ETJ to be included in the directory.
"We also host after-hours events for the business community to network on the Third Thursday of the month. Interested citizens and non-profits are welcome to join us to learn more about KM Forward and about our initiatives.
"Our Next Level group is designed for young professionals. We gather on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Social House by Royal T on Railroad Avenue.
"Participants determine what programs they need, and we facilitate scheduling them. We also give folks the opportunity to introduce their businesses to the group. It gives them an opportunity to share what they do with others in a friendly environment and to practice public speaking.
"Several members have gotten jobs through this group. This group caters to young people ages 21 to 41ish. If young entrepreneurs are looking for a way to network and get to know other people their age in the Kings Mountain community, they're always welcome to join us.
"I am most proud of Next Level, because young people are our city’s future leaders. It is our responsibility to offer them a place to learn and grow in a positive, uplifting way. Our next level group is like the Jaycees of the 60s and 70s, offering leadership training and guidance. One day, they will take our places and guide the community forward.
"A special program we host on the first Monday of the month is our Coffee, Biscuits, & Conversation, where area businesses gather to learn about events and other coordinated activities that they can participate in to promote their business. It’s a good group, and they're always looking for ways to work with other business owners to draw people to the city. Our next meeting will be on April 6, at 8:30 a.m., at Sweet Station on Battleground Avenue in downtown Kings Mountain. Chris Jolly has kindly offered his space for our meeting this month.
"Working in Kings Mountain has been one of the highlights of my career. I love our town. I love our people, and Kings Mountain Forward gives me the opportunity to work in this place for the community I love, using our resources at a critical time in our town's history.ce a member of NC Main Street. We have been working diligently to follow all the Main Street protocols so our application will be considered next year.
"Working in Kings Mountain has been one of the highlights of my career. I love our town. I love our people, and Kings Mountain Forward gives me the opportunity to work in this place for the community I love, using the resources we have at a critical time in our town's history.
"What I love most about Kings Mountain is our people and their passion for our community. We all want different things, sharing a common goal of building a better community for future generations. If we harness our energies and work together, we can accomplish great things. I recall the 60s and 70s, when businesspeople worked together to meet every need locally. I am confident we can do that again!
"I look back and feel blessed to have grown up here and to have been shaped by so many people of this wonderful city. It is an honor and a privilege to give back through my work at Kings Mountain Forward."
- - Loretta Cozart, Director of Kings Mountain Forward
Kings Mountain Forward's mission is to build a community of citizens and business leaders who advocate for Kings Mountain as a place to live, work, play, shop, explore, and invest. Promoting the economic, cultural, and social environment of our city.
