Early this spring, the board members of Tryon Downtown Development Association gathered to discuss plans for the future and to revisit recommendations from earlier retreats.

Ten board members and two guests, including Town Councilman Wim Woody, examined activities and information central to each of the four areas of TDDA: Organization, Design, Economic Development, and Promotion. The mission of TDDA is to preserve and enhance the community of Tryon through a revitalization program which focuses on streetscape and economic restructuring.

Unlike the monthly meetings which the leadership tries to limit to one hour, the retreat allowed sufficient time for adequate discussion of each area. The group looked at earlier plans and brainstormed about new activities. They prioritized and rehashed and encouraged each committee to pursue even more ideas. Discussion included sidewalk improvements on South Trade Street, New Market Road/South Trade intersection reconfiguration, streetlight flower baskets, and a charette to plan for the vacant space on Palmer Street.

TDDA is currently composed of 17 board members who serve on rotating three-year terms. Board members are Doug Arbogast, Bill Ingham, Mark Byington, Paula Edwards, John Walters, Wanda May, Ann Gargiulo, Jeff Byrd, Nancy Holmes, Steve Cobb, Kate Stroupe, Crys Armbrust, Justin Vosburgh, Kathleen Carson, and Nathan Galloway.

President is Crys Armbrust, Vice president is Steve Cobb of Owens Pharmacy, secretary is Wanda May, and treasurer is Justin Vosburgh of Tryon Federal Bank. Chair of the Design Committee is landscape architect, Mark Byington; chair of promotion is Nathan Galloway, the executive director of the soon to open Tryon Toymakers House & Museum; chair of economic development is Tony Mayse of High-Tech House Call.

Since its inception, TDDAs purpose has been to improve the Town of Tryon, to make it the most desirable place to work and shop, a community that offers a variety of venues for outstanding local and regional art and music.

Currently, there are 54 individual members, eight non-profits, and 21 businesses. Membership is open to the public. TDDA is a tax-exempt, 501 c 3 organization.&bsp; All contributions are tax-deductible.

The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month and are open to the public. For additional information about joining, pick up an application form at the TDDA office in Town Hall or call Crys Armbrust at 828-859-9879. His e-mail address is carmbrust@windstream.net. The TDDA website is www.downtowntryon.org.