Economic Development Updates
Retirement Announcement
Word travels fast, even during a pandemic. In case you have not heard, our illustrious leader Stephen Turner, Executive Director of RHEDC and Director of Economic and Urban Development for the City of Rock Hill, is retiring in August of this year. Over the course of his 33 years with the City, he successfully led Rock Hill’s sometimes difficult transition from a declining textile manufacturing center to one of the region’s fastest growing cities. While we will all be sad to see him go, his break is much deserved! We will send more details regarding a celebration in Stephen’s honor when details become available. If you see him, please wish him all the best.
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Events Update
City Council recently approved a plan which would make adjustments to the 2020 Old Town event season, including cancellations and virtual contests/events. The Old Town Farmers Market at Legal Remedy resumed operation two weeks ago with record attendance and strict social distancing regulations. New events that will allow for social distancing are being considered also. Scavenger hunts, contests, and smaller events designed to attract families downtown, while still providing for social distancing, are in the works and being implemented.
Movies in the Park will become a drive-in movie experience starting in June. Red, White, & BOOM will go completely virtual with contests, music, and possibly fireworks. The Old Town Amphitheater Concert Series has been cancelled for this year, and Food Truck Friday has been cancelled through July. The Old Town Association has been very active with updates on social media and will continue to do so.
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Industrial & Commercial Prospect Activity
As we emerge from the current economic slowdown, it is clear we will not be resuming business as usual for a while. Travel, as well as face to face meetings, will be limited. In order to "show" industrial sites and buildings to prospects, we will need to utilize virtual tours.
York County Economic Development (YCED) is pursuing a grant opportunity from SC Commerce, which is seeking aerial drone videos from county economic development organizations for industrial (and possibly office) sites. The grant is an effort to bolster Commerce’s ability to offer “virtual tour” capabilities to prospects in these uncertain times. This tool will be of great value to industrial and commercial properties, especially the introduction and initial marketing of Aspen Business Park.
The Herald article, “It’s business as virtual in Rock Hill. Coronavirus impacts thousands of SC companies,” shares how businesses are adjusting to the pandemic. “How drones will help fill void for economic developers in York County during Covid-19 pandemic” in the Charlotte Business Journal details how prospective interactions may soon be conducted.
Local Covid-19 Resources
Leading the way for our state, the accelerateSC advisory team is charged with considering and recommending economic revitalization plans. Opening outdoor seating at restaurants (May 4), then limited dine-in services (May 11), and close contact businesses (May 18) are just a few of the latest developments.
While national resources related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) are featured in numerous outlets, local resources may be more difficult to locate. Several groups are compiling Covid-19 related resources helpful to businesses and individuals.
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