Downtown business development

The downtown business development group study topics include downtown branding, rental issues, retail ventures and merchant needs. Branding topics include Morris the Horse, Tryon’s rich history and visual congruency (Toymaker village theme concept).

Rental issues include flexible policies, redevelop/reuse empty space and landlord/tenant incentives.

Retail ventures topics include anchor business; business incubator; diversified retail; pop up stores; street vendors; storefront farmers market; restaurants; children’s stores; businesses for all demographics; culinary institute (long stay-overs and/or locals); variety arts; toymaker store.

Merchant needs topics include identifying dollars spent out of town; window dressing; welcome services; consumer education; longer open hours; customer service training; business practices training and shopping trips for retired communities.

Growth management

Study topics for the growth management group include planning issues, tourism development and capital projects.

This group will study free downtown wi-fi, big box stores, leadership programs, business/retail zoning, retirement community, economic development grants, youth services, traffic patterns, permanent citizen input forum and overnight accommodations.

Tourism development topics for this group include outdoor sports tourism, main street visitor center, youth tourism guides and visitor lodging.
Capital projects topics include the old hospital building, sidewalks, bike trails, roadside shoulders, parking, two-side Main Street and walking trails.