January and February were busy months for TDDA, building on the momentum of our board retreat, we have been actively working to update our work plan that will guide our work for 2016. Each committee is meeting regularly, and we are coming along with building the foundation of a great organization.

Organization: The organization committee is focused on the partnerships and structure of TDDA, with one of the top priorities being sustainability. We’re working to diversify revenues to build an organization that will allow TDDA to complete meaningful projects to improve downtown.

Economic Restructuring: The economic restructuring committee has been collecting data and survey information to paint a realistic and thoughtful picture of downtown from the lens of business recruitment and retention. As the information is collected, the committee will use that to recruit potential businesses and work with property owners to ensure a good fit for downtown.

Design: The design committee is working on the final touches of the Facade Grant Program that will soon allow business and property owners a 50/50 match for improvements to the exterior of downtown buildings. We are currently looking to grow financial resources through sponsorships, grants, and donations to allow for several projects this year. If you or your business is interested in supporting this program, please contact us today!

The design committee is also working with the town on wayfinding and town signage updates, as well as a public art project.

Promotion: The promotion committee has recently seen the need to split, in order for the committee to cover all areas of promotion. We now have an events committee, and advertising/marketing committee. The events committee will focus on TDDA’s current events, as well as determining what new events can help bring people downtown. The advertising/marketing committee will work with the town tourism board to promote Historic Downtown Tryon externally, through cooperative ads, and working with Tryon International Equestrian Center.

Thank you for all of your support with continuing to make downtown Tryon great!

-Submitted by Jamie Carpenter