Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) members honored Shelly Block and Kim Nelson as joint Persons of the Year during the organization’s annual meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 24.

TDDA 2012-2013 President Steve Cobb said the year was incredibly successful with record attendees at the annual April Fool’s Festival, a large crowd at the first Tryon Beer Festival and crowded streets at recent Tryon Gallery Trots.

“Enough just cannot be said about these two [Block and Nelson] and the hard, hard work these two put into promoting Tryon,” Cobb said.

Also recognized were outgoing board members such as Paula Edwards, who served as treasurer this year, and new board officers. The 2013-2014 TDDA president will be Happy McLeod, while Bill Crowell will serve as vice president, Karen Killough as secretary and Cobb as treasurer.

Cobb said several important businesses did leave this year, including Tryon House Apparel, Southside of Tryon and Merle Norman, but there is positive momentum as new businesses begin to fill the gaps. Some of those new businesses include McGourty’s Pub, where the TDDA meeting was held, Daniel Dry Goods, Lavender Bistro and others.

“Let’s be sure to support these new businesses and our existing businesses in the coming year,” Cobb said.

Nelson, who owns Skyuka Fine Art with husband, Rich Nelson, said it takes a real community spirit to keep momentum going for businesses and the non-profit organizations of Tryon.

“Come out to the next Trot on Oct. 12, bring your friends and make Tryon alive,” Nelson said.

Nelson said she expects to have a sketch artist and several other street performers helping to create a vibrant atmosphere for the October event. She and Cobb both added that volunteers to help with these events are always needed.

“We want people to remember, you don’t have to be on the TDDA board to be involved with these events,” Cobb said. “We need your help, we need the participation of the community.”