TDDA Director Lourdes Gutierres speaks at the TDDA annual meeting, which was held Monday night at Sunnydale. (Photo by Storme Smith)

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TRYON— The Tryon Downtown Development Association convened for its annual meeting Monday night at Sunnydale, showcasing an agenda of exciting developments and future plans for downtown Tryon. TDDA Director Lourdes Gutierrez led the meeting, which was introduced by Board Secretary Wanda May, focusing on the year’s innovations and community engagement.

Gutierrez expressed her enthusiasm for the numerous changes transforming the downtown landscape, pointing out that a variety of new businesses have begun to call Tryon home. Among the notable newcomers are photographer Monica Stevenson, Balanced Weight Loss and Wellness, Missi & Co., and Fortune Finds.

The meeting celebrated a series of successful community events, including the Global Food Festival. Gutierrez announced the upcoming “Tryon Dog Mayor” election in August, inviting pet owners to begin strategizing their pets’ campaigns. She also highlighted the revival of the April Fools Festival, spearheaded by community volunteer Sam Bell.

One major announcement from Gutierrez was the upcoming Tryon Beer Festival, scheduled for the first Saturday of November. Tickets go on sale starting August 1st.

The TDDA is also actively collaborating with local nonprofits to boost community involvement and increase traffic downtown. 

“It’s vital for us to work together to maximize our resources,” Gutierrez stated. 

Attention then turned to the design committee, led by Denny Crow, which has played a crucial role in enhancing downtown aesthetics, including the newly completed landscaping, as well as the work of local Landscape Architect Mark Byington beside the clock tower. The committee is currently involved in additional projects aimed at further enhancing the area’s beauty.

The TDDA is also pursuing funding for a digital kiosk, aiming to provide the community with dynamic information.

Gutierrez concluded by introducing board members, recognizing their contributions to the association and the community. New members include Cara Smithwick as Secretary, Kathryn Gordon as Treasurer, and Alexander Page.

In an insightful presentation, Landscape Architect Mark Byington, who represents Conserving Carolina on the Saluda Grade Trail Board, discussed the complexities of negotiating the trail project. He noted the challenges involved but highlighted the success of reducing the land’s purchasing cost by over $5 million from Norfolk Southern. Byington projected that the trail’s construction would create approximately 250 jobs during the construction phase. He also emphasized the potential for the trail to stimulate business spending, projecting a possible influx of $70 to $140 million across all the connected areas over the next decade.

As the meeting concluded, Denny Crow announced the annual TDDA awards, with Cara Smithwick presenting them. Mark Byington received an award for Design for his contributions to the town, while Ashley Menetre was recognized for her work on the Fitzgerald. Other honorees included Sam Bell for volunteering, Gabby Horvath for promotions, and Alex Page and Vincent Martinez for Economic Development.

Gutierrez left attendees with a sense of optimism for the future of downtown Tryon, encouraging collaboration and further community involvement as the area continues to grow and flourish.

For more information on the TDDA, visit downtowntryon.org.