Open for Business in Fountain Inn
In the early days of the South Carolina backcountry, Fountain Inn was a prominent stop on the map for travelers making their way by wagon from the mountains to the coast. In 2011, Fountain Inn is the last stop on the I-385 corridor before leaving Greenville County and the first stop coming in — the front and back door, if you will. In that position, Fountain Inn is a gateway to the Upstate, and though it's always been regarded as the small town of the Golden Strip, Fountain Inn is showing everyone even a small town can dream big. It's true Fountain Inn prides itself on giving residents the hometown appeal of a close-knit community, but it has more to offer. In this town, city officials and residents not only dream big — they act big — and are creating big opportunities for economic development within the city.
It began in 2005 with a dream and a plan — the Fountain Inn Master Plan to be exact — which detailed a major revitalization of the downtown central business district. And though the seeds were planted, true progress only began to unfold with the addition of City Administrator Eddie Case in 2006 and the subsequent hiring of Economic Development Director Van Broad in late 2007. Together, they, along with Mayor Gary Long and a strong city council, made bold moves to fulfill some of the mandates set forth in the Master Plan, establish planning strategies and propel Fountain Inn into a new realm of economic success. And success has sure followed. Work to enhance the entryways to the city and the establishment of the Fountain Inn Civic Center as a cultural arts hub was on the leading edge of the city's metamorphosis.
In 2010, plans to build a Farmers Market and Historical Center & Commerce Park, championed by Case since 2007, came to fruition when the city officially opened the Farmers Market to the public last summer and then hired a History Center Director who, along with the Chamber of Commerce, relocated to the new History Museum facility on Depot Street.
"The Farmers Market opened in June 2010 and averaged 641 people each Saturday. It brought a tremendous amount of foot traffic to downtown on Saturdays, and we even began opening on Wednesdays to accommodate more patrons," says Broad.
Broad also touts the city's many amenities that are attractive to industries eyeing the area for start-up or relocation, including low taxes; job creation tax abatement; rail access; highway access; existing infrastructure in industrial complexes, sewer, water, fire protection and gas service; and close proximity to major industrial hubs such as CU I-CAR, BMW and more. "We have partnered with the Greenville Area Development Corporation, Laurens County Development Corporation and Upstate SC Alliance in an effort to give prospective companies access to every possible advantage of locating here," says Broad. "That, combined with our downtown revitalization and established infrastructure, makes Fountain Inn a smart and cost-effective choice for businesses."
He expects 2011 to bring even more positive advancements in the economic arena for the city, including a host of renovations and refurbishments, as well as business development assistance for local companies. These include:
MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Arbor Engineering is working with the city and SCDOT to formulate a design for the Main Street enhancement as outlined in the Master Plan. Funding is currently being sought to begin construction by 2012. The plan calls for narrowing of Main Street, landscape bump outs and wider sidewalks for more pedestrian friendly walkways. It will eventually allow for outside seating for restaurants and sitting areas to further create a sense of destination.
HIGHWAY 418 CORRIDOR ENHANCEMENTS
In 2010, the city and economic development department worked with Seamon Whiteside to develop a commercial growth plan for the 418 corridor. As a result, a $3-4 million commercial retail project is underway with completion set for 2011.
"With the development of ZF Transmission only two miles away, the corridor will become a major factor of growth for the area as industrial businesses seek to locate here," says Broad. "They indicated a need for restaurants, hotels, housing and other business suppliers to help fill the need created as they hire over 900 employees in the next two years."
Additionally, a planned enhancement to the entryways of I-385 interchanges at exits 23 and 24 has been submitted to the SCDOT.
MILL DISTRICT RENOVATION
City Council recently adopted a Mill District Plan that details a 5-10 year development of the Mill Village, Woodside ballpark and other residential and commercial development, including a redevelopment of the old mill site and new road access.
DEPOT STREET PROJECT AND AMPHITHEATER
The new Depot Pavilion, developed in conjunction with Main Street improvements, will provide the perfect setting to host corporate events, weddings and other gatherings.
MARKETING CONSULTATION
The city and Chamber of Commerce have hired internet marketing consultants Greenville Marketing Lab in a year-long campaign to teach local businesses the advantages of internet visibility and to give them tools to raise their online presence.
GRANT ASSISTANCE
The city is offering grant assistance to businesses and building owners as the process of code enforcement tightens in the central business district. Up to $7,500 in grant monies can be obtained by Main Street businesses.
ECONOMIC LOAN FUNDING
The city has established an economic loan fund with assistance of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority (GCRA) to help entrepreneurs attain business ownership. Loans can be secured for up to $25,000 and have a two-year deferred payment with a low 3-5 percent interest rate.
Main Street boutique, I Declare, opened for business in 2009 and recently expanded their location in 2010. Karren Barton, one of the three generations of family members that own the business, says the decision to open shop in Fountain Inn was a no-brainer. "We live and love all Fountain Inn has to offer, so why go anywhere else? The Main Street atmosphere makes you feel happy and is a place where shop owners can leave their doors open for those coming to shop or simply stop in to say 'hi!'" I Declare, which offers an array of gifts, jewelry, home decor and hand-painted items personalized free of charge, is just one of the downtown merchants participating in the city's "Stroll, Shop and Savor the Streets" campaign, where stores are keeping longer Friday evening hours and offering discounts to shoppers with a "Fridays in Fountain Inn" special tote bag.
Broad is excited about the enthusiasm of current shop owners and the possibilities that lie in Fountain Inn's future. "Fountain Inn is open for business and seeking great partners interested in becoming part of this emerging market!"