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Jamie Carpenter takes job in Hendersonville

TRYON—Tryon Downtown Development Association Executive Director Jamie Carpenter will leave for a new job next month. 

The announcement was made Thursday that Carpenter has taken the Downtown Economic Development Coordinator position for the City of Hendersonville. 

TDDA Interim President Gordon Hamilton made the announcement and said Hendersonville’s gain is certainly Tryon’s loss, but the new position is a great promotion for Carpenter.  

“With Jamie’s talent, hard work and fresh ideas over the past 4.5 years, downtown Tryon has never looked better,” Hamilton said. “Jamie’s management and organization of the charette process to engage community members to work collaboratively helped to create the work plan TDDA has followed. The town has benefited greatly from Jamie’s comprehensive knowledge of best practices in streetscape design, historic preservation and revitalization.” 

Hamilton also said her cheerful attitude and diplomacy has steadily guided all stakeholders to coordinate efforts for a fresh, distinctive downtown ambiance which keeps Tryon unique.

“While we are sad to see Jamie move on, we take comfort in knowing that she will not be moving and will remain a resident of Tryon,” Hamilton said. 

Carpenter said the last 4 and ½ years has been such a rewarding experience for her and she is grateful to be a part of the Tryon community and see its fantastic growth and development. 

“It’s bittersweet that I’m telling you all that I have accepted a job with the City of Hendersonville, starting in February,” Carpenter said Friday. “While I’m excited about the new opportunity, it is difficult to leave the TDDA board and volunteers, and everyone who has been so kind, supportive and complimentary. It is so much appreciated.”

Carpenter also said she is proud of the accomplishments of TDDA and feels confident that the board has the leadership and work plan in place to further the work to improve downtown. 

A send-off party is being planned in the next couple of weeks for Carpenter. The TDDA will also meet soon to consider its next steps concerning a new executive director.