Municipal Association of South Carolina

 

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The Town of Ridgeway received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Ridgeway is En (Entrepreneurial) Business initiative. Officials were presented with the award during the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s 71st Annual Meeting on June 18. The town won in the 1-1,000 population category. Thirty-nine cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives.

Until recently, the Town of Ridgeway had not changed much in about 50 years. A small, unique community built along a ridge in the 1790s, Ridgeway offered only a few stable businesses in its downtown area.

 

The town is undergoing a renaissance, thanks to a strategic downtown economic revitalization plan entitled “Ridgeway is En (Entrepreneurial) Business.” These days, the population of the town doubles each month, as some 300 to 400 visitors and tourists come to shop, read and dine in Ridgeway’s vibrant downtown area. Where only four stable businesses once existed, there are now 11 downtown businesses and eight on nearby streets. Every downtown storefront is occupied.

 

That was the simple goal of the town’s strategic plan. Most of the new businesses are entrepreneurial in nature, including the top ranked tearoom in South Carolina. Nine of the businesses are owned and operated by women; the others are family-owned.

 

With input from residents, many local businesses, and other Fairfield County residents and government officials, the town’s economic development committee put together the plan. A merchants’ association emerged to support event planning, public relations and advertising.

 

Downtown Ridgeway business owners sponsor events and conduct special sales. Property owners reduced rents and made repairs for new businesses. The town improved the appearance of downtown with fixtures and maintenance. The town also upgraded its website and highlighted businesses in a newsletter.

“The benefit to residents is clear. Aside from the growing sense of pride in the community, the strong partnerships between the town and its businesses makes Ridgeway a town where others will want to live, work and play,” said Miriam Hair, executive director for the Municipal Association.

 

These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. More information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website (www.masc.sc). 

 

The Municipal Association of South Carolina initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.

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