A reception was held Thursday, June 25, at the Blanchard House in honor of Ashley Banks (second from right), the new executive director of the Lincoln County Development Authority. Pictured with Banks are: (l-r) Bill York, owner of YMS Consulting in Marietta; Sherry McKellar, executive assistant for the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce; and Dwaine Biggerstaff, mayor of the City of Lincolnton.