Having been back in office for a year, I wanted to take this opportunity to give the citizens of Tryon an update of the past year. The Town Council has done a wonderful job of having a forward vision for the past year, and I want to take the opportunity to thank them. The following items have been accomplished by the citizens, the business owners, TDDA, TTDA, town employees, the new town manager, and the town council. The list will not be all inclusive; however, we have made leaps and strides this year.

Unfortunately we have had to say goodbye to some long-time businesses in our little bit of heaven. We lost Cowan’s, Arledge Printers, and St. Luke’s Auxiliary Thrift Shop. 

What has been accomplished?

The Town Council hired Zack Ollis as the new manager, and he is doing a bang-up job!

Misseldine’s on South Trade Street has opened and leased all three buildings. The Nest has moved and expanded its retail space to the Misseldine’s building. Black Coffee has opened in the second of the three buildings. The third houses chocolates, Mosseller Rugs, the Toy House, Drummond’s decorating, and organic foods.

Three new condos above the Misseldine’s project will soon be on the market.

The Book Shelf has moved to a larger space on South Trade.

Hoops, a European antique business, has opened on North Trade in the Gargulio Building.

Remi Danielle has opened a retro furniture store at the Green River Gallery Building on North Trade.

The Wards are opening a new investment business at the old Bill’s Jewelers building on South Trade.

La Bouteille has expanded its selections and space and is under new ownership.

The Tryon Coffee Co-Op has moved beside Huckleberry’s on South Trade.

MyoBalancing muscular therapy recently opened on Palmer Street.

PURE and Cassie’s Beauty Shop have opened on South Trade Street.

Red Dog Relics has opened on South Trade.

Willard Teaster at IGA, on South Trade, has added a line of hardware items at the front of the store.

Tabula Rasa has opened a clothing store and monogram business across from the post office.

The white building at 289 South Trade has sold, and we are anticipating some movement there soon.

Stott’s Ford is undergoing extensive upgrades to its dealership.

St. Lukes’ Auxiliary Building has been leased, and we have a new retail business there.

The Mimosa Inn has been sold and will be put into commission as a bed and breakfast.

Harold Burrell and his business removed several large fuel tanks from the Godshaw Hill area.

Connie Brown has opened Aerodynamic Investments at 15 Chestnut St.

These are the most noticeable improvements in business during the last year. Others are in the offing. I am quite proud of our positive moves forward. Please take advantage of what our shops have to offer.

Harriet and I have shopped here for Christmas and found some wonderful hometown gifts from many of the local businesses. Please continue to support those that support us and shop locally.

I hope that you had a bountiful Thanksgiving, will have a blessed Christmas, and will ride into the New Year astride a steed of positive thought with a can-do attitude.

J. Alan Peoples, Mayor, Town of Tryon