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The Tryon Downtown Development Association held its annual meeting Monday evening at Sunnydale. Approximately 75 people attended including Mayor Alan Peoples, Town Manager Zach Ollis, and Councilmen Bill Crowell and Bill Ingham.

The keynote speaker was Mr. Kenny Flowers, the Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development for North Carolina’s Dept. of Commerce. Flowers congratulated TDDA and the Town of Tryon numerous times as he reviewed the years of participation as a NC Main Street Community. He noted the many awards that Tryon has received for downtown revitalization efforts. Although the Tryon is the smallest of all the Main Street programs in the state, it has been one of the most effective.

Flowers made one exciting announcement that Tryon is sure to pay attention to. The state has not had funding since 2017 for the Main Street Solution Grants. In the next budget year, funding has been restored for this important program. Tryon has been the beneficiary of this fund several times in the past.

Citizens and businesses in Tryon have worked together since 1994 to improve the quality of the downtown district. Even today, there is progress – no less than six renovations are underway at this time. The Town of Tryon has been involved at every step and works collaboratively with TDDA to foster opportunities for revitalization downtown.

Mr. Flowers shared with the audience that Tryon is seen at the state level as a role model across the state for an effective Main Street program. Flowers grew up near Winnsboro in a community this size, and he shared the experience of growing up in a small town and really understanding a “sense of place.” He was particularly impressed with Morris, our town mascot. As a thank you gift he received two insulated tumblers with Morris on the front.

After Mr. Flowers’ speech, Awards for Excellence in Design, Promotion and Economic Development were awarded. Jessica Pullara was recognized for Design in the excellent appearance of the interior and exterior of her new business, All Good Things Bakery.

Denny and Skip Crowe were recognized for their steering of the first Trot into Tryon event which was a successful rally over a weekend of 25 Airstream camper enthusiasts.  The purpose was for these visitors to patronize all our business and to spend generously. The event will happen again next spring on April 20.

The Economic Development award went to Jon and Shea Varner for their investment in downtown in the revitalization of the former Owen’s Pharmacy complex.

 

Submitted by Wanda May