A Small Town Main Street report made to the NC Department of Commerce shows public and private partners invested $3.13 million into Tryon’s downtown commercial district between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.

The commercial district runs from Screvens Road to Carolina Drive on the other side of Tryon.

Tryon’s Director of Economic Development Crys Armbrust said the last year has shown the power of the community working together.

“I certainly am optimistic about Tryon, but recognize at the same time that the picture beyond Tryon is slightly different. This commitment on the part of our citizens and business owners is one of the things that makes Tryon a special place,” Armbrust said.

Report totals take into account a variety of contributions including the amount of grants received.

In the previous fiscal year projects garnered $667,738 for improvements around the town. This includes the $537,738 Community Development Block Grant the town received for a sewer trunk line project; a total of $15,000 in grants from the Polk County Community Foundation for kudzu eradication, music, carriage rides and street performers at Tryon Downtown Development Association (TDDA) Trots, the Tryon Christmas Parade and recycling drop-off equipment; and a $115,000 NC One Economic Grant for the Carolina Yarn Processors expansion.

The total investment also takes into account the contribution of $60,515 in volunteer manpower for festivals and downtown enhancement. STMS values volunteer hours at a cost of $19.09 per hour. Volunteer manpower amounted to 3,170 hours for the PAC Goat vs. Kudzu project, Save Morris, TDDA Beer Fest, TDDA Fools Day, Tryon Gallery Trots, Lanier Library events, Super Saturday and Art Trek Tryon events.

TDDA President Steve Cobb said a town this size couldn’t make all of this happen without volunteers.